[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 19, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1097]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONDEMNATION OF THE USE OF TERROR AGAINST INNOCENT ISRAELI CIVILIANS

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                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 19, 2002

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my condolences 
to the families of the 20 victims in yesterday's bus bombing in Israel, 
and to add my voice to the calls of condemnation against the continued 
use of terror as a weapon against innocent Israeli civilians. Horribly, 
yesterday's attack again included the targeting of children, from high 
school students to 10-year-olds.
  On September 11, 2001, Americans faced the horror of terrorism in a 
way we never faced it before. Now, we live in fear knowing terrorist 
networks throughout the world are actively seeking to attack our 
country again to kill Americans. In order to protect America, and our 
allies, we launched the global war on terrorism. The use of terror as a 
weapon must be opposed and fought against, in the Middle East, in Asia, 
in South America, and throughout the world. As the leader in the war on 
terrorism, we cannot afford to falter.
  However, in the Middle East, Israel is a victim of terrorist attacks 
every week. Sadly, yesterday's attack was only the latest in a 
continual effort by Palestinian terrorists to kill Israeli civilians, 
including children. The intent of these attacks is clear: to instill 
fear and terror within the Israeli people. Now every decision an 
Israeli makes--whether to go to a restaurant, whether to go to school, 
or whether to get on a bus--can be a life or death choice. In response, 
Israel, like America, has taken action to defend itself.
  The United States is the world's defender of democracy and freedom. 
And Israel is the only democracy in a part of the world that has known 
no other democracy. Together we stand for the principle of freedom and 
the right to live in peace without the threat of terrorist attack. And 
we stand together in the fight against terrorism. America has asked the 
world to join us in the fight against terrorism. Israel is on the front 
lines. We must continue to support Israel, financially, diplomatically, 
and by whatever means are necessary.
  Throughout my career in Congress I've been a supporter of the peace 
process and strengthening the relationships with our allies in the 
Middle East. For the last eight years I've been a member of the 
Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations. In my position on 
the Committee I've strongly advocated for military and economic 
assistance to Israel, our principal ally in the region, to help keep it 
strong and prevent an attack by its neighbors. I've also supported 
funding for Egypt and Jordan, which is a direct result of peace 
agreements these countries have signed with Israel. And I've supported 
humanitarian assistance to the people of Lebanon, the West Bank, and 
Gaza, through non-govemmental organizations, to help bring greater 
stability to those areas.
  But no amount of funding can bring what is now necessary for progress 
in the Middle East: an end to Palestinian terrorism. No nation can 
negotiate with terrorists and no terrorist can be rewarded.
  Despite the commitments Yasser Arafat has made to fight against 
terror, his actions have not met his words. Time and time again he's 
passed up opportunities, betraying the people he's supposed to lead. 
Arafat is either unwilling or incapable of bringing and end to 
terrorist attacks against Israel.
  Mr. Speaker, I support a two-state solution to the Israeli-
Palestinian conflict, and I support greater dignity for the Palestinian 
people. But I do not support the creation of a state that either 
supports or enables the use of terror as a weapon. Before the United 
States recognizes the creation of a Palestinian state, we must have the 
assurance that the leader of that state will do everything in their 
power to consistently, unambiguously, and effectively fight against 
terrorism. Without that assurance, we may only be increasing the 
likelihood of more horrific attacks like the one yesterday in Israel.

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