[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 6, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S1567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    VIOLENCE BY TERRORISTS IN ISRAEL

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise to discuss the recent violence in 
Israel and to express my profound hope that these cowardly terrorist 
attacks will not destroy the peace process that so many have worked so 
hard to cultivate.
  In the past week, the extremist, terrorist organization Hamas has 
sponsored four deadly bombings, killing more than 60 people and 
wounding more than 200 innocent, innocent people. These vile and 
disgusting acts clearly targeted at innocent civilians on public buses 
and on busy streets must be condemned.
  It is hard to imagine the kind of deranged mind that could 
contemplate such appallingly evil deeds. As the President said very 
eloquently yesterday, he cannot even imagine an adult who could teach a 
child to hate so much.
  The most recent attack, which occurred this past Sunday, killed 14 
Israelis, including 3 children dressed in their costume for the Purim 
festivals.
  Purim is among the most joyous holidays for the Jewish people. It 
commemorates how the children of Israel overcame a genocidal plot 
thousands of years ago. Purim reminds us that in the end, good triumphs 
over evil and reminds us that the Jewish people have an indomitable 
spirit of survival. The Persians could not destroy the Jewish people 
thousands of years ago. The Nazis failed 50 years ago. And Hamas will 
fail, too.
  The United States of America stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel 
during this crisis. Their battle against these evildoers will be the 
battle of all civilized people everywhere.
  An all-out war on terrorism must and should be waged. But the Hamas 
terrorists want one thing more than anything else, Mr. President--to 
scuttle the peace process. We must not allow them to win. We must 
defeat the terrorists and ensure a lasting peace.
  PLO President Yasser Arafat can and must do much more. His recent 
statements condemning these attacks unconditionally have been good, but 
his actions must now follow his words. Only he has the power, the 
position, and the influence to gain control over Hamas.
  My heart goes out to the victims of this violence and to all the good 
people of the Middle East who pray and work for peace.
  I thank you very much, Mr. President, and I yield the floor. I 
suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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