Madam Speaker,
Mrs. Menachmia Hammer,
Members of the Hammer family, children, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, and grandchildren,
Honored Members of Knesset,

Zvulun Hammer was my friend before he was a member of Knesset, and after he managed to shake Israeli politics – disturbing its tranquility and changing its modus operandi.

During the thirty-nine years of entering and leaving this building I had many political partners, I participated in countless disputes, experienced many stormy discussions and dramas and historic debates – and I have seen in this room people who have become a part of the modern history of the Israeli people. I had quite a few friends.

Zvulun was one such friend, and consequently – the ten years that have passed since his death, and the difficult months that preceded it, left an indelible mark on me as well.   In his death as in his life, his presence as his absence, his actions – as that silence that fell since he left: all these left their mark on us and helped shape our view of how we conduct ourselves in public life.

In the beginning, Zvulun, and with him Yehuda Ben Meir, Danni Varmus, Micha Yinon and other friends, founded Mafdal Youth (National Religious Party).  The Mafdal Youth were to become the most stirring and revolutionary factor in Israeli political life at the end of the sixties and early seventies.

In many ways – Mafdal Youth changed the face of their party – a change that merged with a process that transformed the character of Israeli politics forever.

Zvulun was the unquestionable leader, Yehuda his right-hand man – and with them a whole generation of passionate, dedicated, and smart youth who would not compromise with the old limits of the Mafdal, nor with the limits that the State of Israel had thought was right at the time.

They changed the character of Mafdal – from a party that represented the balanced, moderate, political center that safeguarded the Jewish character of the State, defending its historic heritage – while maintaining clear limits of tolerance and compromise, as well as territorial compromise – and transformed it into the spearhead of the settlement movement which broke boundaries and created facts that changed the face of the State.

The more he matured, the more he expanded his world view – Zvulun Hammer learned the secret of political reservedness and restraint.

Although he never went full-circle – never returning to the historic point of origin of the Mafdal as it was under the leadership of H.M. Shapira and Joseph Burg (of blessed memory) – he understood that there are limits that should not be crossed, and perhaps, in the depths of his heart, he was sorry that he relinquished the absolute control over the reins of the youth that had gone too far, more than is desirable, more than is proper, more than appropriate to the future and character of the State of Israel; a State that radiates tolerance, respect for fellowmen, compassion for its neighbor as well as for those living within its borders. A State that knows that there is no way to maintain both its Jewish character, its democracy which is part of its moral heritage, and all the territories – which Zvulun knew was part of the historic Israel which he vowed to protect.

Zvulun knew the secret, and pains, of compromise.  He was prepared to lead to compromise – and was ready to accept the political and personal hardship it entailed.

Zvulun Hammer was not the naïve person he seemed to be.  He knew that political life necessitated some maneuvers – and he knew how to navigate them prudently, even shrewdly, hiding this trait, especially from those he did not know well.

The secret of his strength was his deep commitment to people, partners, and friends – with whom he built his political life, and from their mutual friendship – he drew his strength till he became the leader of the Mafdal and a permanent figure in the national political life.

To me – he was a little bit of a companion on the way, and a confidant for doubts and misgivings, and mainly: a supportive friend, radiating compassion and loyalty.

Zvulun was a symbol for the Mafdal Youth.  He had a full political life, and left his mark on the education system bequeathing upon it Jewish values, love of the Land and tolerance – ideals which have slowly eroded since he left us.

He passed away from this world as the leader of the Mafdal, but was always one of its youth.

It is a pity that he did not live longer as its Head – perhaps the Mafdal, and we as well, would look different – perhaps even better.

Blessed be his memory.