[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          JEWISH COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL'S DISENGAGEMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BARNEY FRANK

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 7, 2005

  Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, just before we adjourned, 
the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston issued a very 
thoughtful statement in support of the disengagement by Israel from the 
Gaza Strip, and the dismantling by the Israeli government of Israeli 
settlements in that area.
  Mr. Speaker, this was a very wrenching process for many in Israel, 
and the willingness of the government of Israel--supported by a 
majority of the people of Israel--to engage in this withdrawal with all 
of its difficult emotional strains speaks highly of that country's 
willingness to take steps for peace. The withdrawal from Gaza should 
not be the last action taken in this process, but it is unreasonable to 
expect that they will be able to take further actions in the absence of 
a showing by the Palestinian Authority of its willingness and ability 
to respond in kind to this disengagement.
  The statement of the JCRC is a first-rate statement of what should be 
done going forward, and it is an appropriate expression of support of a 
majority of the Jewish Community of Greater Boston for a peace process 
that is thoughtful, balanced and prudent. I ask that this important 
statement be printed here.

   Jewish Community Expresses Support for Israel's Disengagement Plan

       July 19, 2005.
       Nancy K. Kaufman, Executive Director and Susan A. 
     Calechman, President of the Jewish Community Relations 
     Council of Greater Boston issued the following statement 
     today regarding Israel's plans to disengage from the Gaza 
     Strip and communities in northern Samaria.
       ``The JCRC fully supports Prime Minister Sharon and the 
     government of Israel as they begin implementation of the Gaza 
     disengagement plan. Israel's vigorous democracy is taking 
     bold and courageous risks in an effort to protect her 
     security and to renew the process of resolving the Israeli-
     Palestinian conflict. We also support the Israeli 
     government's effort to resolve the conflict through a 
     negotiated two-state solution as expressed in the Road Map. 
     Final borders and other final status issues must be left to 
     the parties themselves to negotiate in a peace process free 
     from violence and the threat of violence.
       Disengagement will only lead to a peaceful outcome if there 
     is a commitment on the part of the Palestinian leadership to 
     put an end to terrorism. We call upon the Palestinian 
     Authority (PA) to disarm the terrorist groups and their 
     infrastructure. This includes removal of existing stockpiles 
     of weapons and preventing such stockpiles from being rebuilt; 
     preventing the smuggling of weapons; closing of clandestine 
     weapons manufacturing and preventing attacks, especially 
     during the engagement process. The future of peace, and the 
     stability of the PA itself, is fully dependent on it taking 
     this action.
       We recognize the profound sacrifices being made by the 
     families who are being relocated, some after living in their 
     homes for nearly 30 years. The loss of their homes, 
     synagogues, farms, businesses and schools is an immense 
     sacrifice which should be recognized with efforts made to 
     bridge any gaps that develop among Israelis as a result of 
     this effort.
       We condemn the rhetoric of a tiny extremist fringe that 
     promotes violence as a response to policies undertaken by the 
     democratically elected Israeli government. At the same time, 
     the rights of free speech and lawful dissent which are basic 
     and indispensable in a democratic society must be protected. 
     It is critically important that those with differing views of 
     the peace process condemn explicit hate speech, venomous 
     language, and threatening words. It is also important that 
     discussion among all the conflicting viewpoints be created to 
     promote an atmosphere in which differences can be expressed 
     with civility and respect.
       We call the U.S. Government to continue its work with 
     Israeli and Palestinian leaders to ensure that all 
     commitments are met and that a resolution to this conflict 
     leads to a secure peace for both sides.

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