Israel marks 14 years since Rabin assassination

JERUSALEM – Israel marked the 14th anniversary of the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin on Thursday with ceremonies at his graveside, in parliament and at schools and community centers across the country.

Rabin was shot dead by a Jewish extremist who opposed his peace policies on Nov. 4, 1995. Israel officially marks the date according to the Hebrew calendar.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres and other dignitaries joined Rabin's family at a ceremony at his grave in Jerusalem.

"The greatness of Yitzhak was in the sincerity of his leadership — in war as in peace," said Peres, who served as Rabin's foreign minister and succeeded him as prime minister after the shooting. "I am proud in what we achieved under Yitzhak's leadership, in our joint journey, even though the work is not done."

Netanyahu said Rabin was a "a symbol of the integrity of Israel's fighters."

A memorial rally will be held on Saturday at the Tel Aviv square where Rabin was gunned down after a peace rally. It was renamed Rabin Square in his honor. Thousands are expected to attend.

Israeli media say President Barack Obama will deliver a recorded message calling on Israelis to remember Rabin's legacy of peace.