[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E68]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING ISRAEL'S RIGHT TO DEFEND ITSELF AGAINST ATTACKS FROM GAZA

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                               speech of

                            HON. TODD TIAHRT

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 9, 2009

  Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 34, a 
resolution recognizing Israel's right to defend itself against attacks 
from Gaza, reaffirming the United States' strong support for Israel, 
and supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. I applaud Speaker 
Pelosi and Leader Boehner for bringing this resolution to the floor.
  We stand in solidarity with those praying for real and lasting peace 
and an end to the terrorism brought upon the people of Israel. I am 
confident the acts of aggression carried out by those seeking the 
destruction of the State of Israel will not end in success. Peace will 
come to the land of Israel once again.
  Born out of genocide and conflict, the modern State of Israel has 
developed into a free, democratic and prosperous country. I have been 
to Israel several times and I have seen how they make the desert bloom. 
I have witnessed their corporate compassion to take care of people in 
need. I have heard their pleas for peace. An unfailing ally of the 
United States, Israel is a beacon of freedom and religious tolerance in 
the Middle East.
  Israel understands the dangers of terrorism all too well. From 
suicide bombers to thousands of incoming rockets and mortar shells, the 
people of Israel have experienced mass casualties of enormous and 
unacceptable proportions.
  As Israel currently undertakes military efforts in Gaza, I stand with 
the Israeli Government and the Jewish community as they seek to 
establish peace and protect its citizens from terrorism. Hamas and 
radical Islam must be defeated.
  No nation can sit idly by while its people are killed, its children 
are traumatized, and the daily life of its people is severely disrupted 
by terrorism. Ask yourself, would America tolerate more that 3,000 
rockets launched against our homeland in just 1 year? No, we would 
protect our people. Israel has the responsibility to protect its 
citizens, as well, and that is what it is doing in on-going operations 
in Gaza.
  Americans look forward to peace in Israel and the Middle East, but 
until Hamas and its terrorist allies relinquish its arms and renounce 
violence, the hope for peace can not be attained.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important 
resolution.

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