[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 32 (Thursday, March 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONDEMNING THE BOMBING OUTSIDE THE MERCER ISLAND JEWISH COMMUNITY 
                                 CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JENNIFER DUNN

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 1997

  Ms. DUNN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, last week a bombing occurred 
outside the Jewish Community Center on Mercer Island, a city located in 
the congressional district I represent. It was a rare and threatening 
display of criminal behavior on Mercer Island and a crime that will not 
go unpunished.
  There is an extremely dangerous individual at large who is 
responsible for this bombing, a coward of the highest magnitude, and 
who remains a threat to the Jewish community. Whether a dangerously 
immature prank or a deliberately anti-Semitic effort to terrorize this 
peaceful community, I condemn this act in the strongest possible sense. 
Local community leaders and I are relieved that no one was hurt and the 
center went undamaged. Bringing those responsible to justice is my 
highest priority, and I publicly declare my intention to fully support 
law enforcement officials toward that end.
  It is particularly ironic, having recently witnessed on Israeli soil 
the finalizing of the Hebron agreement, that despite the historic and 
committed peace underway in one of the most traditionally volatile 
regions of the world, the community of Mercer Island is living with 
violence. I am proud of my neighbors on Mercer Island who refuse to 
allow this violence to terrorize them into retreat. They have reacted 
with calm, and their composure is noble and to be greatly admired.
  Mr. Speaker, this Congress, indeed all of us, should note that what 
could have been a disastrous situation characterized by loss of 
precious life and honored property is instead a reminder of the work 
that lies before us. The good, peaceful, and law-abiding citizens of 
our communities and our country are ready to take this country back 
from terrorists and vandals. They will apprehend the lawless, prosecute 
them, and protect their communities. That's what the people of Mercer 
Island and the Jewish community are doing. I stand ready to help.

                          ____________________