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Brit Tzedek v'Shalom
Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace
Chapter Activities
Chicago, IL
Highland Park News
Memorial Service Set to Honor the Memory of Yitzchak Rabin
By Kenneth L.R. Patchen
October 28, 2004
Afterward, former Israeli deputy speaker of the Knesset Naomi Chazan will discuss "The Future of Israel as a Jewish and Democratic State: Prospects for Peace."
The service and presentation are open to the public.
"I think it's of general interest to the community," said Cantor Michael Davis. "We are all interested in the peace process."
"We would welcome everybody to come in and attend. This is to honor a statesman and hero, someone who battled for peace," said Rabbi Isaac Serotta. "Many of our members feel a keen sense of loss (of Rabin), much akin to the loss of John F. Kennedy."
Soldier and politician, twice selected prime minister, and Nobel Prize winner for peace, Yitzchak Rabin is known for his efforts and some success to achieve peace in the Middle East.
"The testimony to his legacy is the memorial services around the world and in the United States," Davis said. "Israel has always been a symbol and beacon of hope. It's good for us to reflect on that."
To assist reflection, Chazan will provide her perspective about modern day issues.
A Knesset member of the Meretz Party from 1992 to 2003, Chazan worked for women's and civil rights, religious freedom, pluralism and peace. She was a legislator, deputy speaker, and served on key legislative committees.
"She is very well known in Israel and among people working for peace in America," said Aliza Becker, national executive director of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace. "She is (still) working on these issues."
Brit Tzedek v'Shalom is a major sponsor of the tour.
"They will come away with the sense that peace is possible and that American Jews know they can play a role to end this conflict or bring it about," said Becker. "A negotiated two-state peace is possible now."
Brit Tzedek v'Shalom works on Middle East peace issues through 30 chapters started since its founding in April 2002. Becker said 20,000 members and supporters have joined their programs of education, advocacy, and grass roots and Internet organizing.
Their Web site is btvshalom.org.