[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 23, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H4713-H4716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CALLING FOR RELEASE OF ISRAELI SOLDIER BY HAMAS
Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 1359) calling for the immediate and
unconditional release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit held captive by
Hamas, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1359
Whereas Congress previously expressed its concern for
missing Israeli soldiers in Public Law 106-89 (113 Stat.
1305; November 8, 1999), which required the Secretary of
State to raise the status of missing Israeli soldiers
[[Page H4714]]
with appropriate government officials of Syria, Lebanon, the
Palestinian Authority, and other governments in the region,
and to submit to Congress reports on those efforts and any
subsequent discovery of relevant information;
Whereas the House of Representatives passed H. Res. 107 on
March 13, 2007, regarding Gilad Shalit and other Israeli
soldiers attacked and captured by terrorists;
Whereas Israel completed its withdrawal from Gaza on
September 12, 2005;
Whereas on June 25, 2006, contrary to international
humanitarian standards and the most basic standards of
humanitarian conduct, the Foreign Terrorist Organization
Hamas, together with allied terrorists, crossed into Israel
to attack a military post, killing two soldiers and wounding
and kidnapping a third, Gilad Shalit, in a blatantly
extortionate effort to coerce the Government of Israel;
Whereas Hamas, contrary to international humanitarian
standards and the most basic standards of humanitarian
conduct, has prevented access to Gilad Shalit by competent
medical personnel and representatives of the International
Committee of the Red Cross;
Whereas Hamas, contrary to international humanitarian
standards and the most basic standards of humanitarian
conduct, has failed to provide Gilad Shalit the humane
treatment to which all captives are entitled as a fundamental
human right;
Whereas Hamas, contrary to international humanitarian
standards and the most basic standards of humanitarian
conduct, has refused to provide Gilad Shalit with regular
contact with his family or any other party, or to allow his
family to know where he is being held;
Whereas Hamas, contrary to international humanitarian
standards and the most basic standards of humanitarian
conduct, has compelled Gilad Shalit to appear in video and
voice recordings intended to extort and coerce the Government
of Israel;
Whereas Hamas, contrary to the most basic standards of
humanitarian conduct, has staged plays and produced cartoons
and animated movies that have mocked Shalit, his captivity,
and his family, and have promised further kidnappings of
Israeli soldiers; and
Whereas Gilad Shalit has been held in captivity by Hamas
for almost 4 years: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) demands that--
(A) Hamas immediately and unconditionally release Israeli
soldier Gilad Shalit; and
(B) Hamas accede to international humanitarian standards
and the most basic standards of humanitarian conduct by--
(i) allowing prompt access to Gilad Shalit by competent
medical personnel and representatives of the International
Committee of the Red Cross;
(ii) providing Gilad Shalit the humane treatment all
captives are entitled to as a fundamental human right;
(iii) facilitating regular communication by Gilad Shalit
with his family and allowing his family to know where he is
being held; and
(iv) ceasing to compel Gilad Shalit to appear in video and
voice recordings intended to extort and coerce the Government
of Israel;
(2) expresses--
(A) its vigorous support and unwavering commitment to the
welfare, security, and survival of the State of Israel as a
Jewish and democratic state within recognized and secure
borders;
(B) its strong support and deep interest in achieving a
resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the
creation of a democratic, viable, and independent Palestinian
state living in peace alongside of the State of Israel;
(C) its ongoing concern and sympathy for the family of
Gilad Shalit and the families of all other missing Israeli
soldiers; and
(D) its full commitment to continue to seek the immediate
and unconditional release of Gilad Shalit and other missing
Israeli soldiers;
(3) recalls--
(A) the barbaric attack on and kidnapping of the bodies of
Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev on July 12, 2006, by the
Iran-supported terrorist group Hezbollah; and
(B) the missing Israeli soldiers Zecharya Baumel, Zvi
Feldman, and Yehuda Katz, missing since June 11, 1982, Ron
Arad, who was captured on October 16, 1986, Guy Hever, last
seen on August 17, 1997, and Majdy Halabi, last seen on May
24, 2005; and
(4) condemns--
(A) Hamas for the grossly immoral cross-border attack and
kidnapping of Gilad Shalit; and
(B) Iran and Syria, the primary state sponsors and patrons
of Hamas, for their ongoing support for international
terrorism.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Ackerman) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.
Mr. ACKERMAN. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I want to thank my good friend, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs
Committee, for his support for this resolution and for its
consideration by the House today.
Madam Speaker, Gilad Shalit is not an American. He is an Israeli
soldier who has been held captive by Hamas for 4 years.
{time} 1400
His parents are not Americans. I don't know that he's ever even been
to the United States. But I would contend that, nonetheless, he's one
of us. Why? Most simply, because he is a soldier serving in the army of
a fellow democracy, a long-standing ally that is fighting a war of
survival against an Iranian-backed radical Islamist terror organization
explicitly committed to the destruction of the Jewish State and the
annihilation of all Jews in Israel.
Some may doubt that such shocking, vicious bigotry is really possible
in the year 2010. It's not merely possible, and it's not an
overstatement. It's reality. On June 11, not even 2 weeks ago, Hamas
authorities in Gaza broadcast the following ceremony--and this is a
quote directly from that sermon: ``Whoever believes that our battle
with the Jews and the crusaders has subsided or is dormant is living in
delusions. The Jews are convinced that their annihilation and the
destruction of their State will never be accomplished by secular,
reactionary, Pan-Arabic, or Baathist regimes. Their annihilation and
the destruction of their State will only be achieved through Islam.''
It goes on. But that was the basis of the Hamas sermon. That's the
Hamas world view. And they're not ashamed of it. We shouldn't hesitate
to believe them when they say they hate Jews and they're trying to
destroy Israel and they want to create an Islamic theocracy in
Palestine. Just look at what they've done in Gaza.
For those who believe in universal human rights and religious rights
and freedom, Hamas is your enemy. If you believe in peace and two
states for two peoples, these are your foes. If you believe kidnapping
and extortion are inexcusable and detonating a bomb full of nails and
ball bearings inside a city bus or restaurant is barbaric, these are
your adversaries. If you believe that firing rockets at homes and
kindergartens filled with young kids is absolutely indefensible, and
that teaching hate to children is monstrous, these are your opponents.
If you support the Palestinian Authority and President Abbas and Prime
Minister Fayad are Palestinian's best chance of statehood, Hamas is the
opposition. If you support a democratic Jewish State of Israel and want
to see Prime Minister Netanyahu take chances for peace, Hamas is the
enemy desperate to ensure that he never will. If you want the United
States to be active in helping Israelis and Palestinians to make peace,
Hamas are the people working against our every effort.
Gilad Shalit is just one soldier, but his captivity tells you
everything you need to know about Hamas. As the resolution makes clear,
contrary to both international humanitarian law and the most basic
standards of human conduct, Hamas has prevented all access to Gilad
Shalit by competent medical personnel and the representatives of the
International Committee of the Red Cross. They've done this time and
time again. And, Madam Speaker, they've just done it again today.
They've denied him the humane treatment to which any captive is
entitled; they've barred any communication by him with his family; and
they've compelled him to appear on propaganda videos. Each of these
unconscionable choices demonstrates the amoral and depraved character
of Hamas.
These allegedly religious militants are nothing but thugs. Nothing
more. They hold up all kinds of banners, and they champion all kinds of
causes, and they claim all kinds of mandates. But their real goal is
power and their true intention is a disruption of the State of Israel.
Against their enterprise of darkness and hatred and bloodshed, we
need to stand up with both Palestinians and Israelis for a different
vision and a different future--one where Israelis and Palestinians live
side by side in peace; where the City of Jerusalem is a city of
coexistence and tolerance; where the lost and the missing--all of
them--all of them--are returned to their families and their people. It
is this vision that motivates us, that mobilizes us to work so hard to
achieve peace for others. And it is within this vision of a better
future that we keep faith with
[[Page H4715]]
our allies in the State of Israel and with the Shalit family as they
wait for the return of their lost son.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Since its creation over 6 decades ago, our ally Israel has been under
siege from those who seek its destruction. Israel's enemies, refusing
to accept the existence of the Jewish State, have invaded Israel's
borders and sought to wipe it off the map. They have launched missiles
at Israeli civilians. They have sent homicide bombers to massacre
innocent Israelis on buses, in schools, in synagogues, in restaurants,
in hotels. They have desecrated wedding celebrations and Passover
seders with acts of mass murder, turning days of joy into days of
mourning. And they have killed or kidnapped Israeli soldiers.
These bloody acts were taken not to build a better life for the
future of the Palestinians, but to wipe out any future for the Israelis
and to destroy the Jewish State. Of course, at present, the greatest
threats to Israel's security and its very existence are posed by the
rogue regimes of Iran and Syria, as well as by their violent extremist
proxies, such as Hamas and Hezbollah. This is the context for this
important resolution before us today.
On June 25, 2006, as part of its longstanding war against the Jewish
State, Hamas crossed into Israel and attacked an Israeli military post,
killing two soldiers and kidnapping Gilad Shalit, who was then just 19
years old. For the last 4 years, Hamas has held Staff Sergeant Shalit
hostage, denying him access to his family, access by competent medical
personnel, as well as representatives of the International Committee of
the Red Cross. Hamas has forced young Shalit to appear in audio
recordings and video recordings used to put pressure on Israel, and has
mocked Shalit, mocked his family and his captivity in plays and
cartoons and animated movies. Reports indicate that Shalit's health has
declined as the result of his captivity.
Madam Speaker, Hamas, its fellow violent extremist group, Hezbollah,
and their state sponsors not only are at war with Israel; they seek the
destruction of the United States as well. Ahmadinejad has spoken of ``a
world without America or Zionism,'' stating that ``you should know that
this slogan, this goal, can certainly be achieved.'' And the Iranian
regime is no stranger to taking hostages, including the 52 American
hostages that Tehran held captive for 444 days. So when we consider
Hamas's holding of Gilad Shalit in captivity, we must recognize this
situation is part of the broader threat posed to both the United States
and to Israel.
Madam Speaker, I have met with Staff Sergeant Shalit's father, who
gave me his son's dog tags. And as a parent, I can only imagine the
agony that the Shalit family is enduring. Indeed, anguish over Gilad
Shalit's plight is felt by millions of Israelis who have parents,
siblings, spouses, or children who are serving in the Israeli Defense
Forces and who have spent many anxious nights hoping and praying for
the safe return of their loved one. It resonates directly with many of
us who have had children and other family members and friends who, in
the service of our Nation, have been in harm's way.
As Israel continues to seek Gilad Shalit's freedom, we in the United
States must continue to stand with our indispensable ally. For all of
these reasons, Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House
Resolution 1359, which reaffirms our demand for Gilad Shalit's
immediate and unconditional release.
I would like to thank the chairman and the ranking member of the
Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, Mr. Ackerman and Mr.
Burton, for introducing this resolution. I ask that the House join us
in voting in favor of this resolution and in support of further
measures to address the comprehensive threat posed on our Nation and to
our ally Israel by Iran, by Syria, and by their militant proxies.
{time} 1410
Among the steps the United States should take is to stop the failed
policies of engagement with the Syrian and Iranian regimes which have
not advanced our interests but has lent those dictatorships undeserved
legitimacy. We should also continue to stand unequivocally with our
ally Israel and oppose all efforts to deny Israel its sovereign right
to self-defense--the very right that Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit was
exercising when he was kidnapped by Hamas.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ACKERMAN. I want to thank the gentlewoman from Florida, the
distinguished ranking member of the committee, for her statement and
for her support.
Madam Speaker, now it's my pleasure to yield such time as she may
consume to the gentlewoman from Nevada, Shelley Berkley, a
distinguished and respected member of our committee.
Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I want to thank my very good and dear and
cherished friend from New York for yielding and for bringing much-
needed attention to this issue by introducing this resolution which I
proudly cosponsored.
Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleagues to mark a very
sad occasion: The fourth anniversary of the kidnapping of Israeli
soldier Gilad Shalit. If the world needs evidence of Hamas' cruelty,
they need look no further than the kidnapping of this young soldier
serving on the Israeli side of the Gaza border. Defying any standards
of human decency and international law, Hamas has held him prisoner
without access to a doctor or to the Red Cross. They have denied him
contact with any outside party or even his family, who have no idea
where this young man is being held. Hamas has even forced him to appear
in a video that was used to pressure the Israeli Government into making
concessions in exchange for his release.
The conditions of his detainment are illegal, they are deplorable,
and they are immoral. For some reason, though, the world bombards
Israel with criticism for the simple act of defending its citizens,
while Hamas continues to violate human rights day after day. It is
unjust, and it ultimately puts all peace-loving people at risk. Where
is the U.N. with its outrage? Where is the Arab world? Where are our
European allies? The world leaps to condemn Israel whenever it is put
in the untenable situation of defending itself against terrorism. Where
is the outrage against the continuous inhuman behavior of Hamas, a
recognized terrorist organization? Where is the outrage against Hamas
as it continues to hold Gilad Shalit, a young man just doing his duty?
Just this week, Israel took enormous risks by easing their necessary
and legal blockade of Gaza. It is time--indeed, Madam Speaker, it is
well past time--for Hamas to show some human decency and release Gilad
Shalit back to his family.
I am the mother of a son named Sam who is the exact same age as Gilad
Shalit. I can only imagine what that mother goes through day after day,
week after week, month after month, year after year as she has
absolutely no contact and no idea how her son is being treated, where
he's being held, and what his condition is. Shame. The shame of it all.
It's disgusting. I urge support for this resolution.
General Leave
Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to
include extraneous material on the resolution that is now under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Richardson). Is there objection to the
request of the gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my
support for H. Res. 1359, which calls for the immediate and
unconditional release of Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier held captive
by Hamas since June 25, 2006. Today, 4 years later, Shalit remains a
prisoner and Hamas has denied him medical treatment and access to his
family. I agree with the resolution's sponsors that his imprisonment is
not only a violation of international law and an affront to the
international community, but has also impeded the peace process between
Israel and Palestine.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has caused tragedy and loss of
enormous proportions on both sides. I know that all of my colleagues
oppose further loss of life and will support a lasting peace in this
region. I am hopeful for
[[Page H4716]]
the day when two states--an Israeli and a Palestinian state--can
peacefully exist side by side. Until that day, both sides must work
towards peace and must refrain from aggressive actions. The kidnapping
and ongoing inhumane treatment of Gilad Shalit has exacerbated tensions
in the region, causing heartache for Sgt. Shalit's family and country,
and making peace negotiations more difficult.
I stand for peace and human rights and am proud to support this
resolution. I can see no justification for Sgt. Shalit's continued
imprisonment and urge Hamas to release Sgt. Shalit. I urge my
colleagues to join me in supporting peace and human rights by
supporting this important resolution.
Mr. GRAYSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call for the immediate
and unconditional release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. On June 25,
2006, exactly 4 years ago this Friday, Gilad was kidnapped by Hamas
terrorists within Israeli territory, near the Karem Shalom crossing.
This kidnapping was a part of an unprovoked and organized military
operation by Hamas terrorists who continue to hold Gilad captive in
Gaza.
Throughout Gilad's captivity, the International Red Cross has
requested to send representatives to assess his conditions of detention
and treatment, as well as to provide medical attention to Gilad. Just
recently, Hamas once again refused to give the Red Cross access to
check on Gilad's well being in accordance with international law.
Pierre Dorbes, deputy head of the International Committee of the Red
Cross in Israel and the Territories stated that, `` . . . we have been
able to visit nearly everyone detained in connection to this conflict,
with the exception of Gilad Shalit.''
As negotiations for his release continue, it is important to
recognize the efforts of Gilad Shalit's family and friends,
particularly his mother Aviva and his father Noam to secure his
release. I can only imagine the heartache and frustration that they
feel as they work to help secure their son's freedom.
Madam Speaker, I along with my colleagues continue to call for the
unconditional release of Gilad Shalit. I urge President Obama to
continue to make Gilad's release a priority for his administration as
he works with all parties to resolve the ongoing conflict in the
region.
Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 1359, a
resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of
Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit held captive by Hamas.
On June 25, 2006, Hamas captured 19-year-old Israeli corporal Gilad
Shalit on the southern Israeli side of the Gaza Strip. This inherent
and blatant disrespect for standards of international conduct was a
deliberate form of extortion meant to coerce the Israeli government to
release Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas has furthered the injustice by denying Shalit access to medical
care from the International Red Cross or treatment as a prisoner of
war. Shalit has been explicitly denied the most basic humane treatment,
and we cannot allow for this abhorrent conduct to persist.
Hamas has continually utilized terrorist cells to attack Israeli
soldiers even though Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005.
This callous disregard for international humanitarian law is deeply
troubling.
I am unwavering in my support for the security and welfare of the
democratic nation of Israel, and the creation of a mutually acceptable
two state solution. This cannot happen unless Hamas immediately and
unconditionally releases Shalit and accepts the right for Israel to
exist and lays down their arms for good .
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives
to join me today in recognizing our dedication to the release of Shalit
and the prospect of peace and democracy in the region by supporting
this resolution.
Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res.
1359 and mark the 4-year anniversary of the capture of IDF soldier
Gilad Shalit. On June 25, 2006, Shalit was taken in a cross-border
raid, remains held in Gaza, and for the past 4 years, he has been
denied virtually all contact with the outside world.
When he was kidnapped, he was only 19 years old, the age of an
average American college student. But instead of being able to serve
his country and continue with his bright future, he has been held a
prisoner for 4 years.
The plight of this soldier must not be forgotten. I want to honor the
sacrifice of this young man and his family who wait every day for news
of their son's circumstances. I have met the Shalit family and I have
seen the pain in their eyes and the pleading in their voices. The
Shalit family has also met with many communities across the United
States, urging people to remember their son and speak out on his
behalf. Today, I join the communities in Palm Beach and Broward County
in sending a message to Gilad Shalit's captors: Let Gilad Shalit go.
As Israel faces dangerous threats from throughout the region and
still makes unprecedented sacrifices for peace, America stands with
Israel in its hope for the release of Gilad Shalit. American families
and Israeli families are united in the hope that the Shalit family
should suffer no longer.
Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.
Res. 1359, a resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional
release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
I would like to thank Congressman Ackerman for introducing this
important resolution, of which I am a cosponsor, and to commend him and
Chairman Berman for their leadership on this critical issue.
On Friday, Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit will have spent 4 years in
captivity. Since June 2006, Shalit has been held by Hamas and denied
the humane treatment mandated by international law, including regular
communication with his family and visits by the International Red
Cross. He has been forced to appear in Hamas propaganda, intended to
extort the Israeli government. Shalit was 19 years old at the time of
his abduction.
Human beings should not be used as bargaining chips. Gilad Shalit
must be immediately and unconditionally released, and all prisoners
must be afforded the basic protections of international humanitarian
law.
I am also proud to support this resolution because it expresses
Congressional support for both the Jewish state of Israel, which must
have recognized and secure borders, and a democratic, viable, and
independent Palestinian state. I strongly believe that a negotiated,
two-state solution offers Israelis and Palestinians alike the best
prospect for long-term security and stability.
I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this
resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Gilad
Shalit.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. ACKERMAN. I have no further requests for time, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Ackerman) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1359, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that
a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is
not present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.
____________________