[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 96 (Thursday, July 20, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1472]
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. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2006

  Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
921, which condemns the recent attacks against the State of Israel and 
supports her right to defend herself. The United States has no closer 
ally in the Middle East and, at this difficult and troubling time, it 
is essential that the United States maintain its steadfast commitment 
to Israel and all her people.
  Today, my thoughts and prayers are with Israel, her brave citizens, 
the captured soldiers, and all the innocent people on both sides of the 
border with Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. It is important that America 
supports Israel as she defends herself against the deadly and 
destructive acts of terrorists. Those who committed these heinous 
attacks must know that they will not succeed in destroying the State of 
Israel, nor will they diminish the spirit of the Israeli people.
  Each day brings more rocket attacks from Hezbollah that target 
innocent civilians in northern Israel. These attacks must be stopped, 
and to do so Israel has the right to go after the Hezbollah terrorists 
who launch them from southern Lebanon with the assistance of Syria and 
Iran.
  Despite the commitment and good faith efforts made by Israel to build 
a lasting peace in the Middle East, the terrorist organizations Hamas 
and Hezbollah engaged in unprovoked attacks on Israel and kidnapped 
three of her soldiers. Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip, but Hamas 
responded with violence. Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon, but 
Hezbollah responded with terrorism. These terrorist organizations are 
killing innocent Israelis despite every attempt to demonstrate their 
genuine commitment to peace.
  I hope that this crisis ends soon. In fact, I think it would be 
beneficial if the United States helped to arrange a cease fire, but 
Israel will and should maintain control of her own security. The 
experience of the last weeks reaffirms the right of nations to defend 
themselves against acts of terrorism, especially by organizations that 
are part of sovereign governments. But there are other lessons for 
those who do not live in the Middle East.
  First, when there are opportunities to support moderate governments, 
we must do so. Part of the reason Hezbollah is still in south Lebanon 
is because it is backed by Iran and Syria, while the government of 
Lebanon was left without similar strong backing from the international 
community, including the United States.
  Second, we must also remember the fact that extremism incubates in 
societies ravaged by poverty, hopelessness and humiliation. We cannot 
eliminate terrorism simply by suppressing terrorists. We must also lift 
up the societies and groups upon which terrorists rely for their 
recruitment.
  And third, when confronting terrorists, every effort must be made to 
protect the civilians around them and prevent destruction to civilian 
communities. We cannot win the battle of ideas and prevail in the fight 
against extremism if the people we are trying to lift up are reduced to 
living in rubble.
  Madam Speaker, the bible recounts many miracles performed by God. And 
miracles seemingly have helped Israel flourish since its independence. 
As the first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion once said, ``in Israel, in 
order to be a realist you must believe in miracles.'' I still strongly 
believe in the dream that has become the wonderful reality of Israel.
  I urge my colleagues to support Israel and to support this important 
resolution.

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