[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 96 (Thursday, July 20, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CONDEMNING THE RECENT ATTACKS AGAINST THE STATE OF ISRAEL

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                               speech of

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2006

  Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, during these troubled times it is more 
important than ever for the United States to express its firm 
commitment to the State of Israel.
  Since the very beginning of its existence, Israel has been a vital 
ally of the United States, enjoying a strategic partnership based on 
shared democratic values, friendship, and respect.
  The State of Israel was established as a sovereign and independent 
nation 58 years ago, and it continues to be a strong friend of the 
United States and a beacon of democracy in the Middle East. Our 
democracy must stand by democratic governments such as Israel as their 
existence is threatened by the forces of totalitarianism and extremism.
  The people of Israel have worked tirelessly to live in peace with 
their neighbors in the Middle East, and I commend them for their 
efforts. Unfortunately, that fragile peace has been shattered by the 
acts of terrorists bent on death and destruction, and Israel must be 
allowed to defend itself against these attacks.
  Today a multitude of my fellow Chicagoans will join in a rally at the 
Federal Plaza to express their solidarity with the State of Israel. I 
commend these citizens and the organizers of the rally, including the 
Jewish Federation of Chicago. I also commend the Jewish United Fund for 
its financial contributions to help move children and refugees out of 
the northern region until this conflict is resolved.
  Madam Speaker, I wish peace and prosperity to return to the region 
for all of its people. But a just and lasting peace can only be 
achieved with an end to terrorism. We stand with the State of Israel in 
that fight.

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