It is with great sadness that Liberal International shares the news of the passing of our patron, Professor Amnon Rubinstein. His life of distinguished service to the cause of liberalism will be sorely missed at a time when the world needs more voices such as his. To honour Professor Rubinstein’s legacy, LI shares a translated tribute from his colleagues at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF – LI cooperating organisation).

Amnon Rubinstein: A Life of Law, Politics, and Culture

Amnon Rubinstein was a jurist, politician, and cultural figure who died on January 18, 2024 at the age of 92. He was a towering figure in Israeli life, and his death was widely mourned.

A Legal Pioneer

Rubinstein was born in Tel Aviv in 1931. He studied law at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and then at the London School of Economics. After returning to Israel, he taught law at Tel Aviv University and served as dean of the law faculty.

Rubinstein was a leading advocate for the establishment of a written constitution in Israel. In 1992, he helped to pass the Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty, which guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms for all Israelis. This law was a major step forward in the development of Israeli democracy.

A Political Reformer

Rubinstein was also a successful politician. He served in the Knesset for 25 years, representing the liberal Shinui party. As a minister, he oversaw several important reforms, including:

• Expanding access to education for Arab Israelis
• Decentralizing the Israeli university system
• Promoting economic freedom

Rubinstein was a strong advocate for peace with the Palestinians. He supported a two-state solution and worked to build bridges between Israelis and Palestinians.

A Cultural Figure

Rubinstein was also a gifted writer and cultural figure. He wrote several books on Israeli history and politics, including “The Challenge of Democracy” and “The Birth of the State of Israel.” He also wrote a novel, “Forbidden Loves,” which was a critical and commercial success.

Rubinstein was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a passionate advocate for human rights and democracy, but he was also a fierce critic of the Israeli government. He was a man of great intellect and wit, but he was also capable of great anger and frustration.

Rubinstein’s death is a major loss for Israel. He was a towering figure in Israeli life, and his legacy will be felt for many years to come.