Yitzhak Shamir, 1915-2012
On Monday, July 2, 2012,
the large flag over the Knesset flew at half mast,
while this warning sign was posted in front of the building.
Yitzhak Shamir, the 7th Prime Minister of Israel, had died at age 96,
and his casket was lying in state in the main hall.
Getting into the Knesset Building is usually not easy.
But today the public was invited to pay their respects to the Shamir family,
as army rabbis stood and read Psalms.
Vice Premier Dan Meridor was one of the government officials present.
At 4:00 pm, the floral wreaths surrounding the casket
were removed
and an honor guard lifted the casket.
IDF Chief Chazan Shai Abramson led the procession out of the hall
while chanting Psalm 91.
The public was then ushered out of the Knesset Building.
In 1991, Prime Minister Shamir approved Operation Solomon
which brought over 14,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel.
On the day of his funeral, Ethiopian community leaders
were in the last group to leave the Knesset grounds.
The funeral procession went to Mount Herzl Cemetery for burial.
There was just enough time for some visitors to pose
for a quick photo.
On the way in I had a “buggy” ride,
but on the way out everyone walked.
Most people walked away slowly.
Yitzhak Shamir z’l
1915-2012
Beautiful tribute.
Thank you Sara, need more fans like you!
Thank you SO much for this post. I was touched by the photos and the story. I really appreciate your blog.
Pictures very beautiful – R.I.P. Yitzhchak Shamir. I find this Blog interesting and fascinating.
Thank you Annie!
thank you sharon, while his political position was far from mine, i had the greatest respect for his integrity
What a man. What a resolve. What ahavas yisroel for ALL Jews, Will there be future Shamirs, strong, grounded, and committed to Medinat Yisrael and her citizens? Baruch Dayan HaEmet. May Shamir rest in peace – finally. Excellent, quiet tribute, Sharon. Keep up the good work, feeling, and insight.