Yitzhak Rabin’s Dream of Peace

After reading Noa Ben Artzi’s eulogy for her grandfather, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin (Nov 7), whatever problems and worries I had melted away. It brought on a choked-up feeling and tears to my eyes.

If only this could be required reading by all children, all over the world, along with other literature to bring forth feelings of love, warmth and compassion. Then perhaps the world might realize Rabin’s dream and be at peace.

DON FEIN

Los Angeles

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* As I watched and listened to the American media reporting on the assassination of Rabin, it became very obvious that their objective was to portray anyone opposing the peace accord as a right-wing fanatic. Many Israelis have legitimate concerns about this accord and feel strongly that the electorate of Israel should have the final say before its implementation.

Rabin is now a martyr, gunned down by a madman, and it will be difficult to oppose the continuation of his policies. But please remember, everyone is anxious for peace, but not at any price.

BEN LIEBERMAN

Los Angeles

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* Before the body of Rabin grows cold in its grave, may all Americans--especially right-thinking Republicans--wake up to the danger inherent for a democratic society in people who believe God has a specific political agenda.

LORELLA THOMAS

Thousand Oaks

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* Jacob Neusner (“Jews Don’t Kill Jews, Do They?” Commentary, Nov. 7) has to go back to 1948 and 1933 to ferret out two instances of Jew-to-Jew violence. His earlier example is then 2,000 years ago. Since 1948, Israel has absorbed millions of Jews from different countries, different cultures and with differing religious beliefs and observances. There have been acrimonious debates by vociferous antagonists. Yet, the Rabin assassination is the first of its kind. Quite a history of Jew-to-Jew violence?

In fact, Jewish history for 2,500 years has been characterized by exquisite Talmudic debate and differences, rarely violence. Living by the rule of law has always been the essence of Judaism. Murder is unthinkable. Talmud interpretation indicates that each life has infinite value in the universe. Not that a Jew never kills a Jew or any other person (war excluded), but it is inconsistent with Jewish law, Jewish tradition and Jewish religious observance.

Yes, there are wide differences in religious observance from secularist to extreme orthodox groups. However, excepting some of the most extreme religious sects, all Jews gather and act together for social, charitable and community needs. For example, the Rabin memorial service at the Israeli consulate on Wilshire.

JEROME COVIN

Los Angeles

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* The irony of Rabin’s assassination is almost cruel. That a man who fought so fiercely in war would die fighting for peace. I remember just five years ago, spending many a night arguing with a friend and classmate whether there could ever be a sustainable peace between the PLO and Israel. In the end as we sobered to the coming dawn, we never did come to any clear agreement; but with cautious idealism and classic cynicism we always resigned with the belief that this generation was lost, but perhaps the next.

I have not seen my dear friend in four years, but I’m sure that he is indebted to Rabin, as I am, for the lesson and legacy he has left for the world.

LAWRENCE KIM

Irvine

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* As your Nov. 5 article by Michael Parks said, Rabin “had dearly hoped to lead the Jewish state into that ‘time of peace,’ believing this to be his duty.”

Perhaps he has done just that.

JEANNIE CROMIE

Thousand Oaks

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* The most significant and surprising result of Rabin’s assassination may well be neither acceleration nor untracking of the peace process, but rather a boost to overcoming the major concern of probably most Israelis--the security of Israel.

To a country previously treated as a pariah by the U.N. and world nations, though attacked four times in its brief history by armies of all its neighbors and constantly subjected to terrorist attacks against its civilians, from women and children to Olympians, the unprecedented attendance by leaders from all major countries at Rabin’s funeral may give centrist Israelis confidence that these nations have now shown an awareness and understanding of Israel’s security risks (against both internal bus-bombing terrorists and external Scud-launching armies) and their promises of support may perhaps be relied upon.

AARON L. KOLOM

Los Angeles