[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 96 (Thursday, June 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CALLING FOR RELEASE OF ISRAELI SOLDIER BY HAMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2010

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, earlier this year, the 
Jewish community celebrated the holiday of Passover, the Festival of 
Freedom. On that holy day, in thousands of synagogues and dining rooms, 
a somber yet determined prayer of hope was recited for Israeli soldiers 
held in captivity:
  ``Redeem them from amongst the kidnapped, and take them from slavery 
to freedom, from servitude to redemption, from darkness to light, and 
fully heal their wounds. Give them courage and spirit and strengthen 
their resilience.''
  Today, on the eve of a solemn anniversary, I would like to remind my 
colleagues of one Israeli who has remained in captivity for four years. 
On June 25th, 2006, Hamas and two other groups brutally and 
unjustifiably attacked an Israeli patrol, murdering two soldiers and 
kidnapping wounded Corporal Gilad Shalit, a member of the Israel 
Defense Forces' Armor Corps. Since then, Gilad Shalit has been denied 
medical attention, physical contact with his family, and visits from 
humanitarian groups like the International Committee of the Red Cross. 
This treatment constitutes clear violations of the Geneva Convention.
  Moreover, Hamas has refused to negotiate the release of the abducted 
soldier despite the involvement of credible third parties and Israel's 
frequent acts of goodwill. For example, Israel proposed an exchange of 
hundreds of Palestinians being held in Israel for Shalit's freedom. 
Israel also takes a proactive stance in providing adequate humanitarian 
aid to Gaza's civilians. In fact, Israel recently eased the Gaza 
blockade. Yet Hamas continues to defy Israel's cooperative efforts and 
international pressure. By mocking diplomatic efforts to free Corporal 
Shalit peacefully, Hamas is exploiting the anguish of Shalit's family.
  I am proud to have recently cosponsored bipartisan H. Res. 1359, 
which calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Gilad Shalit 
from Hamas captivity. This resolution sends the strong and undeniable 
message that the actions of Hamas are not only in violation of 
international custom and law, but they are also morally reprehensible 
and inhumane.
  Corporal Shalit's release is not merely an Israeli goal; it should be 
the objective of the international community. Together, we should use 
available resources and strategies to obtain his immediate and safe 
release. I strongly call on President Obama, Secretary Clinton, and 
Ambassador Rice to advocate for Gilad Shalit's safe return and to stand 
beside Israel in its efforts to protect its soldiers and defend its 
citizens.