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3 Nov, 2020

25 Years since the death of the slogan “Peace Promotes Tourism”

Tomorrow, Nov 4, the world will be mesmerised by the U.S. elections. Forgotten in the heat of the political competition will be the 25th anniversary of The Day The World Really Changed — the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, Israeli Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner, by a Jewish fanatic extremist terrorist named Yigal Amir.

I was the only Asian journalist in Tel Aviv the night this accursed terrorist struck, just 48 hours after Rabin delivered the keynote opening speech at the International Hotel Association 33rd annual congress. Standing in front of a lectern bearing the circular emblem “Peace Promotes Tourism”, the late PM outlined his vision for bringing peace to the Middle East and the benefits that would accrue for tourism and prosperity worldwide.

It was not to be.

Pix: Imtiaz Muqbil

Over the years, I have been the only travel journalist to repeatedly remind the intellectually malnourished Travel and Tourism industry of the widespread conflict and mayhem which followed the snuffing out of that dream. Today, I am doing so yet again.

Four years ago, the election of Donald Trump changed the world for the worse. 25 years ago, the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin did the same.

Never forget. Muslims are not the only terrorists going around.

Here are my reports and dispatches over the years.

Historic Pictures: Israeli PM Who Hailed Peace at Hotels Confab, & Shot 2 Days Later

Flashback: Historic reports, speeches show how a Jewish terrorist destroyed Middle East peace and tourism

Remembering The Day The World Really Changed

‘I did it! Now bring me schnapps!’ How Rabin’s assassin greeted news that Israel’s champion of peace was dead – The Guardian

The Judeo-Christian world’s great betrayal of its own values and principles

German Poet Günter Grass’ warning to Israel

Australian Report Exposes Global Security Threat Posed by Israeli Dual-Passport Holders

25 years after fall of the Wall, ITB Berlin fails to heed the lessons of history

History Lesson for ITB Berlin : 20 Years Since the Finest Travel & Tourism Speech Ever

Israel wants occupation, not peace – Full text of brilliant speech by Gideon Levy

Jew rebuts Jew: Benjamin Netanyahu’s Fantasy World

2015 ends with inspiring journalistic win for Travel Impact Newswire editor

2015: The Year the Merchants of Death Hijacked the Industry of Peace

WTTC Report on Peace & Tourism Wipes Palestine Off the Map

The TRiUMPh of Jewish extremist terrorism

Israel continues to shatter Rabin’s dreams, and fulfill those of his terrorist killer

Rabin’s Death Anniversary – Time for Jews to do Some Soul-Searching

Rabin in 1976 Interview: Settlements Are a Cancer – Ha’aretz

20 Years since the Jewish terrorist assassination of Yitzhak Rabin – Haaretz Bookshelf

The Rabin Assassination: When Judaism Failed – Haaretz

Rabin’s Death Anniversary: Jews and Travel & Tourism Need Some Soul-Searching