[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 117 (Friday, July 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1577]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       FREE THE ISRAELI SOLDIERS

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                               speech of

                     HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 12, 2007

  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 
steadfast friendship between the United States and Israel and to 
express support for Israeli soldiers held captive by terrorist 
organizations.
  July 12, 2007 marks the one year anniversary of Hezbollah's 
infiltration into northern Israel, and it is a stinging reminder of 
Hezbollah's attack that sparked the bloody conflict between Israel and 
Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
  For the past year, three Israeli soldiers have been away from their 
families, held captive by terrorist organizations. Ehud Goldwasser and 
Eldad Regev were kidnapped by Hezbollah in the attack on July 12, 2006, 
and Gilad Shalit was abducted by Hamas on June 25, 2006 near the Gaza 
Strip.
  Gilad Shalit is the youngest of the three men at the age of 20. He 
began his service in July of 2005, and volunteered to work in a combat 
unit. Shalit loves math and sports. Ehud Goldwasser, 31, is always 
willing to lend a helping hand. Passionate about photography, sailing, 
and the environment, Goldwasser is recently married and looks forward 
to starting a family. Eldad Regev, 26, is a law student at Bar Ilan 
University. Regev enjoys soccer, music, and reading. The families and 
friends of these talented young men look forward to their safe return.
  Since its independence in 1948, Israel has continuously struggled to 
protect its citizens and ensure the safety of its men and women in 
uniform. As a Member of Congress, I recognize the bond between the 
United States and Israel and support the Israeli people on this solemn 
anniversary.

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