[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 64 (Thursday, May 10, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMEMORATING ISRAEL'S MEMORIAL DAY AND 53RD INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2001

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, these are troubling and arduous times for 
Israel. Over the past seven months, the continuous clashes in the West 
Bank and Gaza Strip have claimed the lives of more than 70 Israeli 
citizens. Car bombings, mob attacks and widespread terrorism in 
residential areas have caused an outbreak of panic and worry among the 
residents of Israel. Men and women fear that an ordinarily simple trip 
to their local shopping center will result in tragedy. Children no 
longer feel safe to ride their school buses, for they fear that they 
will be the next targets of this senseless bloodshed. Sadly, terrorism 
and fear are everywhere, and the violence continues to escalate.
  Two weeks ago, Israelis commemorated the 53rd anniversary of their 
independence and mourned the lives lost as they marked their Memorial 
Day. Grieving countrymen gathered together to remember the thousands of 
men and women who sacrificed their lives in the fight for Israel's 
existence. Those commemorating these events were reminded that despite 
their independence, Israel must continue in their struggle for 
recognition and liberty.
  Before and since being elected to Congress, I have supported a strong 
Israel. America has had for a long time, and should continue to have 
for a long time, a unique relationship with Israel--the only democratic 
nation in the region, our most important strategic ally in this 
volatile area, and a nation whose founding and existence clearly makes 
the world a better place. I believe that the United States must 
continue to voice its support for Israel and for the peace process that 
the Israelis have courageously undertaken. As I have stated many times 
before, the United States must be prepared to provide the diplomatic, 
military, and economic support that Israel needs.
  The United States plays an essential role as a broker of peace in the 
region. However, we must not let that role keep us from speaking the 
truth. I am saddened to see that optimism for quick and lasting peace 
in the Middle East has been thwarted by the Palestinians' continued 
violence. I believe it is time for our government to acknowledge that 
the Palestinians are contradicting the promise Chairman Arafat made in 
January--a promise to continue working for peace. It is time for our 
government to exert pressure on the Palestinians to persuade them to 
put an end to the uprising and to prevent terrorist attacks on Israel. 
If the Palestinian leaders act as the Palestine Liberation Organization 
of old, seeking conflict rather than peace with Israel, then we must be 
clear in our disapproval and resolute in our efforts to once again 
promote peace negotiations.
  Most importantly, the Palestinians must end the violence against the 
Israelis, and Israel must respond, as I am confident it would, with 
corresponding steps to reduce the level of violence on its side. That 
is the only way to get back to the peace table. Only peace discussions 
can achieve the lasting, just peace that will best serve the interests 
of all Israelis, all Palestinians and indeed, all of us throughout the 
world.
  Mr. Speaker, my personal sense of commitment to Israel has only been 
strengthened by recent developments. We must put an end to this terror 
and return to a period of goodwill. I believe the same is true for many 
of my colleagues. Let us reaffirm our solidarity with Israel as they 
commemorate their independence and struggle for freedom.

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