[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  COMMENDING ISRAEL ON THEIR ELECTIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 11, 2003

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the 
resolution extending this body's congratulations to Israel on their 
recent elections. I stand with my colleagues and commend Israel as it 
continues to conduct democracy in a region filled with dictatorship and 
totalitarian regimes.
  On January 28, 2003, nearly four million Israelis went to the polls 
to participate in the country's 15th national election since becoming a 
state in 1948. The election was Israel's 5th in the last decade, and 
comes at an extremely critical juncture in the country's short history. 
An ongoing conflict with the Palestinians, a looming U.S. war against 
Iraq, the global war on terrorism, and a struggling Israeli economy all 
played pivotal roles in the campaign. But when all was said and done, 
Israelis reelected Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, and established a near 
majority for the Likud Party in the Israeli Knesset. Prime Minister 
Sharon's victory was especially significant, as it was the first time 
in 25 years that Israelis reelected a sitting Prime Minister.
  As the sole democracy in the Middle East, Israel is the most reliable 
ally of the United States in the region. I come to the floor today and 
further express my commitment to a strong U.S.-Israel relationship. 
Israel has stood by the U.S. in our war on terrorism, and we shall 
stand with Israel as it continues down the daunting road toward peace 
and security. Terrorism never has been, and never will be, an 
ingredient to peace in the Middle East, and the U.S. must stand by 
Israel in its efforts to protect its borders and its citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, each of us has his or her own unique way of expressing 
our support for Israel and the relationship that the U.S. enjoys with 
the small Middle Eastern country. Coming to the floor today in support 
of this resolution is just one way Members can show their support. 
Traveling to Israel is another. I make my commitment today to visit 
Israel sometime during the 108th Congress to show my support for the 
Jewish state, and I urge my colleagues to make similar commitments.
  Israel is a place rich with history. It is filled with beauty and its 
people are filled with kindness and generosity. Members of Congress can 
make no stronger statement of their support for Israel then to travel 
there and experience first hand the issues facing Israeli leaders 
attempting to make peace. I am looking forward to the trip that I am 
co-hosting over the Memorial Day recess with black and Jewish Members, 
and I do hope that my colleagues will make similar statements of their 
support. Only next time, we make them in the streets of a peaceful 
Jerusalem.

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