[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 42 (Saturday, March 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          ISRAEL RELATIONSHIP

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                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Saturday, March 20, 2010

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to reaffirm my support for 
Israel.
  I was saddened to see the recent disagreement between our two nations 
spill out onto the front pages of newspapers around the world.
  These headlines belie the close and vitally important relationship 
the United States and Israel enjoy, and will continue to enjoy.
  And it is important for the world to know that we stand shoulder to 
shoulder.
  Israel shares our democratic values. And they are forced to defend 
these values daily against countless in their neighborhood who would 
like to wipe Israel off the map.
  The threat of rocket attacks is nearly constant for Israelis. I had 
the opportunity to visit Israel last year, and I witnessed firsthand 
some of the damage caused by rocket attacks by Hamas from Gaza. I am 
amazed at the determination of the Israelis to continue to lead normal 
lives despite the constant threats and reminders of terrorism. It was 
particularly evident during a trip to Sderot, at an indoor playground 
that also functions as a bomb shelter.
  The threat from Iran is even more ominous. The Holocaust denials, the 
arms shipments to terrorists, the quest for nuclear weapons--to say 
this is alarming would be an understatement.
  These actions are not just a threat to Israel, they are a threat to 
the United States, and that is why I support strong sanctions against 
Iran.
  That is also why I believe we are lucky to have a close ally like 
Israel in the region.

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