[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 173 (Thursday, December 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2275]]
    EXPRESSING SOLIDARITY WITH ISRAEL IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 5, 2001

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Concurrent Resolution 280. This resolution expresses solidarity with 
Israel in its fight against terrorism following the recent attacks in 
Haifa and Jerusalem during the weekend of December 1-2, 2001. This 
resolution also urges the President to ensure that Palestinian leader 
Yasir Arafat carries out a sustained campaign against terrorism.
  In the latest attacks in this troubled region, Palestinian terrorists 
took the lives of 26 innocent Israeli citizens and wounded at least 175 
others. Those who are responsible for these attacks have committed 
brutal acts of murder, and no cause can justify their actions. I wish 
to express my deepest condolences to all of those who have been 
affected by these tragic events.
  As we mourn for the thousands of Americans who lost their lives in 
the terrorist attacks of September 11th, we also mourn for the 
innumerable men, women, and children of Israel who have suffered at the 
hands of terrorists for decades. Now more than ever, the United States 
and Israel are bound together in the common fight for freedom, 
security, and tolerance for all.
  During the past 15 months of violence in the Middle East, the 
Palestinian leadership has turned a blind eye to terrorist activity 
within the Palestinian territories. Terrorist groups have actively 
recruited new members, planned attacks and carried out violent acts 
against innocent citizens with little or no fear of punishment by the 
Palestinian Authority.
  Despite numerous commitments made by Mr. Arafat to take action 
against these terrorists, the violence has continued. The time has come 
to call on Chairman Arafat and the Palestinian leadership to 
demonstrate a true commitment to the eradication of terrorism in all 
its forms. We must insist that Mr. Arafat validate his words with real 
actions and a demonstrable effort to arrest, prosecute and punish 
perpetrators of terrorist attacks. We must make clear that we will not 
tolerate terrorism!
  Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the current challenges to the Middle 
East peace process are monumental. The prospect for peace is not only 
contingent on the ability of the Palestinian Authority to combat 
terrorism, but it is also dependent on the level of commitment from the 
Israeli leadership. Both sides of this conflict must accept certain 
compromises, or peace efforts will be in vain. However, we must not 
abandon our vision of peace, security, and opportunity for all Israelis 
and Palestinians.

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