For anyone who cares about Israel and who shares a progressive politics, there are no more stirring words than those spoken by novelist David Grossman at the 11th memorial rally for slain Israeli Prime Minister Yizhak Rabin that was held on Saturday night in Tel Aviv.100,000 were in attendance. They can be read here: Haaretz.

Grossman, who was the sole speaker at the rally, aside from Rabin's daughter, Dahlia, along with some of Israel's top performers, gave the Israeli left back its voice, if only for one night. By any measure, since the disappointment of the center-left gov't under Ehud Olmert and Labor's Amir Peretz--someone for whom many on the left, including leading novelists--had so much hope, the left has lost its voice. But Grossman's remarks offer a way back. He speaks from deep love for Israel, but deep concern. And he challenged the current Israeli leadership to seriously propose peace. His challenge should be echoed by the party that wins the Congress on Tuesday-and the Bush Administration should push for the same.

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