Yigal Amir was born on May 31, 1970, in Herzliya, Israel, to Shlomo and Geula Amir. He grew up in a large family, with seven siblings. From a young age, Amir was deeply religious and immersed himself in Jewish studies.
He served in the Israeli army, where he continued his religious studies as part of the Hesder program. After completing his military service, Amir studied at Bar-Ilan University, where he became increasingly vocal in his opposition to the Oslo Accords.
In 1995, Yitzhak Rabin, the Prime Minister of Israel, was assassinated by Yigal Amir. The assassination shocked the nation and the world, as Rabin was a beloved leader and a proponent of peace. Amir, a Jewish extremist, believed that Rabin's efforts to make peace with the Palestinians were against Jewish law.
During his trial, Amir attempted to justify his actions on religious grounds, arguing that he was carrying out God's will. He was ultimately convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
While in prison, Yigal Amir spent nearly two decades in solitary confinement. Despite his incarceration, he managed to marry Larisa Tomblover, a woman who supported him throughout his trial and imprisonment. The couple had a son together, born while Amir was behind bars.
The assassination of Yitzhak Rabin had a lasting impact on Israeli politics and society. After Rabin's death, Shimon Peres took over as Prime Minister and continued the peace process. The incident served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Israel's quest for peace.
Yigal Amir's actions continue to be a subject of controversy and debate in Israel. While some view him as a martyr for his extremist beliefs, others condemn him for his violent actions. Regardless of one's perspective, there is no denying the lasting impact of Amir's actions on the Israeli political landscape.
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