On November 4, 1995 - the 12th of Heshvan 5756 - the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the State of Israel, Yitzhak Rabin, was assassinated by an Israeli Jew at the close of a peace rally entitled, “Yes to Peace, No to Violence,” in the Kings of Israel square in Tel Aviv.
On January 6, 1997, the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, passed “The Memorial Center for Perpetuating the Memory of Yitzhak Rabin 1997 – 5757,” a law establishing the Yitzhak Rabin Center: a national institute dedicated to improving the shape of Israeli society by ensuring that the legacy of Yitzhak Rabin continues to impact the youth and the people of Israel. Modeled after American presidential libraries, the Center is comprised of: a national archives; an education department working with youth, students, soldiers and educators; and at its heart, The Israeli Museum, depicting the history and development of the modern state of Israel and Israeli society.
Through the Museum and educational activities, the Center strives to reinforce democratic values, promote tolerance and understanding among Israel’s diverse society, and develop a cadre of leaders equipped to confront the unique challenges Israel faces.
The Center maintains to three principles:
Positioning Yitzhak Rabin as an exemplary model of responsible, fair and innovative leadership in the fields of civil society, security and the quest for peace;
Establishing a deep commitment to Israeli civil society based on respect, social cohesiveness, democratic values and the rule of law;
Advancing the well-being and unification of the Jewish people, in light of the danger of violent disagreement and internal conflict evidenced by the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin.