21 years ago today, a dark cloud descended on the State of Israel - a cloud spawned by demagoguery, fanaticism and evil. Yitzhak Rabin was not a perfect man. And yet, he embodied both an optimism and a belief that pragmatism and concession were essential elements of nation building. He was a warrior who had a vision for the future that did not involve his grandchildren and the generations that followed them sacrificing their lives on the altar of hatred and eternal conflict.
He was cut down at a rally for peace by a disturbed young man who had been seduced into committing an unholy act by irresponsible and dangerous demagogues who would rather see their nation descend into chaos than accept the status quo.
Today in America, voices of intolerance and hate-mongering are once again rising, inciting violence and enflaming the passions of the easily manipulated while raising the hopes of what used to be called the political extreme. No matter your political perspective, let us take some time to remember the lessons of that horrible day 21 years ago and ask ourselves if we, as a proud nation, are prepared to travel on a dark path.
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