Mr. Rabin was the first prime minister of Israel to pay an official visit to Russia. In Moscow he met with President Yeltsin, Prime Minister Chernomyrdin and other ministers. A number of agreements on cooperation were signed during the visit. He also met with the Jewish community and paid a short visit to St. Petersburg before flying back to Israel on an El Al flight with immigrants. The following remarks were delivered at the close of his visit and were aimed at the Russian Jewish community. Text:
Our friends, citizens of Russia,
Our brothers, Jews of Russia,
I bring you regards from home.
I bring you regards from Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the State of Israel, the heart of the Jewish people. Regards to you in Moscow and regards to you throughout Russia.
It is, after all, known that there were difficult days in the relations between Israel and the former Soviet Union. There were dark days. But, even during the most difficult times, the bitter moments, we did not forget - not even for one moment - that the Soviet Union, that the soldiers of the Red Army, were the spearhead in the war against the Nazis. We never for a moment forgot the numerous battles, the bravery, the courageous actions of millions who stopped the Nazi machine of destruction with their bodies. ' If I may, in the name of the Jewish people, in the name of the State of Israel - which is the home and refuge of the survivors of the Holocaust, in the name of all human beings and civilized people, I would like to say today: thank you.
They say that we have a long memory, and this is true. Accordingly, even during the most difficult of times - when they did not understand us here in Moscow and even worked steadfastly against us - we never forgot for one moment that it was that Soviet Union which supported us in our first steps as a state, and which stood at our side during the difficult war for our independence.
The State of Israel is modest when it comes to giving awards. It is not our custom. But, were I able, were I permitted, I would present a medal to all Russians and to Russia itself - Jew and non-Jew, on the highest and the most junior levels - for coming to our aid at that time, when our lives stood in the balance. This memory has not been dulled by the many bad years which followed. For this kindness in our youth - thank you, Russia.
To some extent, my colleagues and I who have come from Israel feel almost at home here - the views, the sounds and the smells are familiar to us. Here, in greater Russia, the first pioneers dreamed of Zion and Jerusalem. Here, the first scaffold was erected in the building of the State of Israel. Here, the vision began. Here, our new culture began. Here, our great poets composed their poems. And, here, our leaders - who guided us for decades - were born; and, from here, they left on their return to the land of their fathers, to the land from which they were exiled two thousand years ago. The first step, the political step, the cultural step, on the long road to the State of Israel, was made here - and, during the three days that I am here With you, the sights and sounds from the books and descriptions of home come back to me.
After all, my grandfather, my father and my mother were born here, among the great people which has spawned also tyrants, but also giants of culture, art and the humanities.
In recent years, the State of Israel has absorbed 500,000 Jews who have returned home from here. Many of them are happy: they have been absorbed in Israeli society, but - and I will not hide this from you - there are difficulties. There are many difficulties. We are a small country, not wealthy, that has known many wars and is now trying to make peace. For five million residents, it is difficult to absorb 500,000 immigrants at once - but we are doing whatever is possible, and I say proudly: there is no country in the world that is doing what we do. No other! No other country in the world where Jews feel at home as they do with us; the place where Jewish culture and the Hebrew language live and flourish.
Citizens of Russia,
Our Jewish brothers,
Our home has been in danger for scores of years. Enemies have risen up against us to destroy us. We have known six wars. We have won, but we have paid a heavy price for each victory. Two weeks ago, an Memorial Day, we visited the graves of thousands of our beloved sons and daughters who fell in battle.
Our victories on the battlefield have not prevented us from dreaming of peace over the years. But, over the years, we have not had partners in this dream. Since the end of the Yom Kippur War and the presidency of Egypt's President Sadat, we have seen signs of a desire for peace. Currently, we are engaged in peace talks and we want to see an end to war.
We have continued this war for peace and need all possible support, all good will, all assistance. In this war, the leaders of the Russian government are our partners, as sponsors of the peace negotiations since the Madrid conference - and we thank them, and you, for the support which is urgent for us.
We are returning home with the hope that our visit has introduced a new page in the relations between Russians and the Jewish state.
Brothers,
Jews of Russia,
Tomorrow, we will return home full of impressions of this great country, from the place where hundreds of thousands transformed Zionism from a dream into reality.
We are returning home and carrying with us the memory of your warmth and of your warm reception. We will take home with us your hopes and we will give you our dreams in return.
We are returning home tomorrow.
Farewell to you.
Farewell to all of you.
Au revoir.