[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 59 (Friday, May 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           STAND WITH ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEPHEN F. LYNCH

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2002

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, when I first visited Israel in 1998, I was 
introduced to the complexity and also the special beauty and historical 
importance that Israel represents. During my visit I met with various 
representatives of both the Israeli government and the Palestinian 
community. I remember that there existed at that time a cautious 
optimism and a hope that perhaps after generations of pain and 
suffering these groups were on the brink of peace. It is therefore with 
particular sadness that I have watched this holy land descend into the 
most extreme violence and bloodshed over the past 18 months. The 
traffic and horrifying carnage caused by suicide bombers, who are being 
used as a tool of terror against innocent children, is simply barbaric 
and upsets me greatly.
  However, Mr. Speaker, we must not be moved to give in to these 
terrorists. I stand here today with many in this chamber to condemn 
these atrocities and express our support for the Israeli people.
  On September 11th we learned how small the world has become. We can 
no longer ignore conflicts halfway around the world and pretend that 
they do not affect our own security.
  Mr. Speaker, there is no future in a partnership with people 
encourage their own sons and daughters to die in acts of infamy and the 
random murder of innocent people. To compromise with a terrorist is to 
sponsor terrorism.
  We must stand with Israel.

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