People in the crowd held posters with slogans that said "violence until when?" and "we won't forgive. We won't forget."
Fifty-eight-year-old Dubi Avigur was here 14 years ago and witnessed the tragedy. As a peace activist himself, Dubi is pessimistic about peace this year, with the peace talks between Israel and Palestine stalled and a right-wing Israeli government adopting hard-line policies on core issues like settlements on the West Bank.
"I was here every year to remember, hoping peace would come. When the peace agreement was signed, I was crying, and now, maybe I'm desperate too."
But some people are full of hope for peace, like Erez Krigel, who brought his 13-year-old son to learn about Rabin's legacy.(www.hXen.com)
"It's the first time. He's 13 years old, so it's the time that he should come here to learn. The Israelis are more violent, yes, but most Israelis still want peace and believe in peace."
President Shimon Peres opened the ceremony, urging the Israeli people to realize Rabin's last will and testament and not to be afraid of the price of peace. Peres also addressed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in his speech, urging him not to retire.
The president told CRI that this year's gathering is particularly important for Israelis.
"We have to keep the hope. We have to demonstrate our sincere wish to renew the negotiations. We also need to tell the Palestinian side that we are serious. We don't want to postpone, and we don't want to escape the price of it. I think that's the best offer for them and for us."
In a video message broadcast at the rally, U.S. President Barack Obama remarked on Rabin's quest for peace during his life and pushed once more for the peaceful co-existence of two states – Israel and Palestine.
"Israelis will not find true security while the Palestinians are gripped by hopelessness and despair. The Palestinian dream of statehood would be deferred unless Israelis were sure their own safety is secured. To all who seek peace I say tonight, you will always have a partner in the United States of America and in my administration. That's why we've been working aggressively for our clear goal, two states living side by side in peace and security."
Since Rabin's murder 14 years ago, grand rallies have been held here every year. Thousands of young people participated in this year's event in order to learn about and carry on Rabin's legacy of pursuing peace.
