[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 170 (Friday, November 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2374-E2375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONDEMNING THE TERROR ATTACKS IN TURKEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2003

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to condemn the horrendous and 
cowardly attacks carried out in Istanbul, Turkey, on November 15, 2003. 
Twenty-five people were killed and over 300 were injured, as suicide 
bombers in trucks attacked two synagogues crowded with families 
attending bar mitzvahs. We should all mourn the unspeakable nature of 
this tragedy, and we must take decisive action against those 
responsible.
  We are witnessing the resurgence of a pervasive and violent anti-
Semitism, last seen on a widespread scale in the 1930s and 1940s in 
Europe. Some claim that this resurgence can be tied to the continued 
violence and political conflict between Israel and the Palestinian 
Authority, but I fear it goes beyond that.

[[Page E2375]]

  The November 15 attacks struck at Turkey's heart--deliberately--
because since the 15th century, it has been a place of peaceful 
coexistence between Jews and Muslims. By targeting Jews there, the 
radical Islamic fundamentalists want to send a message: forget history 
and forget tradition. If you are Jewish, we will target you in any 
place, at any time. Ironically, and tragically, most of those who lost 
their lives in this attack were Muslim.
  This is hatred, plain and simple. It is anti-Semitic and inhuman. As 
it destabilizes the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, it threatens our own 
national security and the security of our closest allies. I know that 
this Congress and the entire country have the resolve to combat these 
destructive forces wherever they might reside. I ask my colleagues to 
join me in mourning with the families of those killed in Istanbul and 
to stand firm with me as our long and difficult struggle against 
terrorism continues.

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