[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 87 (Wednesday, May 19, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H2551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                          STANDING WITH ISRAEL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Cline) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my unwavering 
support for the United States' greatest ally in the Middle East and the 
region's only democracy, Israel.
  When I visited the region, I saw firsthand the proximity of the 
danger Israelis face on a daily basis.
  With the Gaza Strip controlled by the Iranian-funded terror group 
Hamas, rockets are always pointing at the Jewish state. It is estimated 
that the militant group has more than 30,000 rockets and mortars at 
their disposal.
  For the past week, Israel and its people have been bombarded by more 
than 3,000 rockets launched from within Gaza. Thank goodness for the 
Iron Dome, which, despite being overwhelmed, saved countless lives.
  While some on the other side of the aisle and in the media attempt to 
draw a moral parallel between Hamas and Israel, there is simply no 
comparison to be made.
  As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: ``You cannot equate a 
democracy that values life with a terror organization that glorifies 
death.''
  Israel has an absolute right to defend itself, and while they make 
every effort to keep Palestinian civilians from harm, Hamas continues 
to intentionally target population centers, seeking death and 
destruction.
  Hamas is not interested in peace. They are not interested in working 
toward a lasting solution. Their only objective is to eliminate the 
Jewish state.
  Why some would choose to back Hamas despite its atrocious human 
rights record is beyond me. Why back a regime that stifles free speech, 
prosecutes and assaults the press, treats women as second-class 
citizens, and has laws on the books that condemn its own citizens to 
death simply for selling land to a Jewish person?
  Madam Speaker, it is mind-boggling.
  I stand with Israel, and in doing so, I stand for peace.


                Congratulating Grace Christian Golf Team

  Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, author and avid golf fan P.G. Wodehouse 
once remarked: Golf ``is the infallible test. The man who can go into a 
patch of rough alone, with the knowledge that only God is watching him, 
and play his ball where it lies is the man who will serve you 
faithfully and well.''
  Fittingly, I rise today to recognize Grace Christian School of 
Staunton, whose golf team won its first Virginia Association of 
Christian Athletics State championship.
  The Warriors shot an 18-hole total of 355 in the championship 
tournament at the Club at Ironwood to overcome its closest competitor 
by 32 strokes.
  Caleb Maas led the Warriors with an impressive 86, while Preston 
Fitzgerald and Maddie Helmick each shot a pair of 87s, with Isaiah 
Farlow carding a 95.
  Maas, Fitzgerald, and Helmick were also named to the all-State team 
for their performances throughout the season.
  Madam Speaker, I congratulate the athletes, coaches, and staff on an 
excellent season. I wish them all the best of luck moving forward. And 
keep hitting them straight.

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