[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13]
[House]
[Pages 19083-19085]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           EXTENDING CONDOLENCES TO VICTIMS OF FIRE IN ISRAEL

  Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1751) mourning the loss of life and 
expressing condolences to the families affected by the tragic forest 
fire in Israel that began on December 2, 2010.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1751

       Whereas, on December 2, 2010, a forest fire began in the 
     Carmel region of Israel;
       Whereas the fire quickly spread and became the worst fire 
     in Israel's history;
       Whereas over 40 people have been killed by the blaze;
       Whereas more than 17,000 people have been displaced by the 
     fire;
       Whereas more than 4,000,000 trees have already burned in 
     the fire;
       Whereas Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared 
     December 2, 2010, a national day of mourning in Israel;
       Whereas Israel has exhausted its supplies and equipment 
     necessary to sustain the firefighting effort;
       Whereas United States Ambassador to Israel James Cunningham 
     rapidly issued a disaster declaration, prompting significant 
     coordination within the United States Government to identify 
     and provide Israel with firefighting assistance;
       Whereas President Barack Obama and Secretary of State 
     Hillary Rodham Clinton have pledged significant United States 
     assistance to address this disaster;
       Whereas the United States has already provided Israel with 
     technical assistance, over 110 metric tons of fire 
     suppressant, 3,800 gallons of fire retardant concentrate, and 
     other needed assistance to fight this fire;
       Whereas State and local governments in the United States 
     have mobilized to send firefighting supplies to Israel; and
       Whereas Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Canada, 
     Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, 
     Jordan, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Russia, Spain, 
     Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the Ukraine are 
     among the other nations that have provided assistance or 
     offered assistance to Israel to fight this fire: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) mourns the loss of life and extends condolences to the 
     families affected by the fire in northern Israel that began 
     on December 2, 2010;
       (2) supports the Obama Administration's offer of, and rapid 
     efforts to provide, United States firefighting assistance to 
     Israel in response to this disaster;
       (3) recognizes the efforts of foreign governments that have 
     provided assistance or offered assistance to Israel;
       (4) commends State and local governments in the United 
     States that have offered and provided assistance to Israel; 
     and
       (5) reaffirms United States support for the people and 
     State of Israel in their time of need.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Klein) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.


                             General Leave

  Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. 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 under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution.
  As my colleagues are aware, last week the State of Israel faced the 
worst natural disaster in its history. A forest fire ravaged the Carmel 
Forest, killing over 40 people, displacing over 17,000 Israelis, and 
burning 4 million trees. People from all over the world have planted 
trees in forests throughout Israel to make it greener and make the 
desert bloom.
  This is a tragedy, because of the loss of these forests, that really 
is something that has to be recognized. But, more importantly, this is 
a moment that we, as Americans, want to send a message of condolence to 
the Israeli people for the loss of life, loss of property, and to make 
an important statement of support and solidarity with our ally and 
friend, the State of Israel.
  Thankfully, over the last day or so, the fire has now been 
successfully contained, and hopefully it will soon be fully 
extinguished. With the help of the international community, Israel will 
now be able to rebuild, and that's why it's important that at this 
moment in time we recognize the importance of this international effort 
from countries around the world who offered or provided assistance to 
fight the fire.

                              {time}  1610

  Those countries include Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, 
Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Jordan, 
Norway, the Netherlands, the Palestinian Authority, Russia, Spain, 
Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
  We're also proud of our State and local governments in the United 
States who selflessly mobilized to send firefighting supplies and 
firefighting experts to Israel. I would like to especially acknowledge 
the round-the-clock efforts by USAID, Department of Defense, National 
Security Council, U.S. Fire Services Professionals, as well as our 
embassy personnel in Tel Aviv, who were in constant contact with their 
Israeli counterparts offering assistance and support at every juncture.
  We must note that time and again Israel sends its supplies and its 
experts to disasters around the world. It was one of the first 
countries that provided support to the people of Haiti after the 
earthquake. And certainly we know in the aftermath of floods, 
earthquakes, terrorist attacks, and other natural and manmade 
disasters, Israel offers its expertise. Now Israel knows that it can 
rely on others as well.
  Restoration will be a long-term effort after this fire and will 
require cooperation on many fronts. I would like to commend the 
important efforts of the Jewish National Fund which is taking a leading 
role in the replanting effort as it has operated for decades.
  I would like to thank my partner in this bipartisan legislation, 
Congressman Peter King, the chairman of the Fire Services Caucus, and 
many others who have cosponsored this piece of legislation. And I would 
also like to thank Chairman Berman and Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen for 
quickly bringing this resolution to the floor.
  Our expeditious consideration allows us to send a message to the 
people of Israel: we stand with you in your time of need. I urge my 
colleagues to support this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, on December 2, as my good friend and colleague pointed 
out, the worst fire in Israel's history erupted in the forests in the 
northern region of the country. The fire spread quickly, killing over 
40 Israelis, displacing over more than 17,000 and destroying more than 
250 homes. The fire also burned over 4 million trees and over 12,000 
acres of forest, resulting in damages totaling almost $55 million.
  After Israel had exhausted its resources to fight the fire, it 
appealed to the United States and other nations to help, and help we 
did. U.S. C-130 aircraft from the Department of Defense flying from the 
U.S. European command at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany delivered 
20 tons of fire retardant and 38,000 gallons of fire retardant 
concentrate.
  Furthermore, The U.S. Agency for International Development has 
provided extensive firefighting supplies, including 27 metric tons of 
fire retardant and 42 metric tons of firefighting foam.
  USAID also dispatched its 10-member disaster assistance response team 
to Israel, where it's provided technical assistance and discussed 
lessons learned. And countless individual Americans provided charitable 
donations to help Israel fight and recover from the fire.
  Mr. Speaker, the American people and their government have once again 
stood with our great friend and ally, Israel, in their time of need, as 
they have done with us on countless occasions. This is one more example 
of the rock-solid friendship and alliance between the U.S. and the 
State of Israel.

[[Page 19084]]

  Thanks to the hard work and perseverance of the people and the 
Government of Israel, and thanks to the contributions of the U.S., our 
State and local governments, and over two dozen other countries, Israel 
was able to fully contain the fires on December 5. Unfortunately, it 
will be likely many years for Israel to rehabilitate its damaged 
forests, which have long been a symbol of Israel and the rebirth of the 
Jewish State in the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people.
  Again, I want to thank my good friend and colleague, Mr. Klein, for 
this very important resolution for authoring it, and for Mr. King and 
others for cosponsoring it. It's an excellent resolution. I urge its 
passage.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. KLEIN of Florida. I thank the gentleman for his support of this 
resolution. I think we all understand when it comes to disasters, that 
we're all in this together--whether it's people of the State of Israel, 
people in the United States and other countries around the world. And I 
think certainly after watching Israel over the years come to the aid of 
other countries in their time of need, it's obviously important on a 
humanitarian level, logistical level, and a respect level that we can 
all help the State of Israel in its time of need as well as in this 
time of this natural disaster. I ask the Members of the House to 
support this resolution.
  Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 
1751, a resolution expressing condolences to the families affected by 
the tragic forest fire in Israel that began on December 2nd, 2010.
  This was the worst fire in Israel's history-42 people were killed, 
more than 17,000 have been displaced and over 4 million trees have been 
destroyed. As we mourn this tragic loss of life, I would like to extend 
my condolences to the families affected by these fires.
  The United States has provided Israel with technical assistance, 
including 110 metric tons of fire suppressant, 3,800 gallons of fire 
retardant concentrate and other supplies. An additional 23 nationals 
provided or offered assistance to Israel as well. It is important to 
commend the United States and these other nations for providing timely 
aid to Israel when it was most necessary.
  We are grateful that global coordination and rapid response resulted 
in the speedy extermination of the fire. I would like to once again 
applaud the response of the United States and others as well as 
reaffirm the United States' support for the people and State of Israel.
  I urge adoption of the resolution.
  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer my deepest condolences to all 
those who lost loved ones to the Carmel wildfires in Israel. Over 40 
people died in these devastating fires and approximately 17,000 
Israelis were driven from their homes. In addition to the human 
tragedy, over 12,000 acres of forestland were scorched and nearly 5 
million trees were burned in the last six days. I am grateful that the 
forest fires are now under control and the immediate danger has passed.
  I appreciate the Obama Administration's swift response to our ally's 
call for firefighting assistance. After U.S. Ambassador James 
Cunningham declared a disaster, the U.S. Agency for International 
Development and the Department of Defense mobilized over 40 metric tons 
of fire retardant and 3,800 gallons of concentrated fire retardant for 
immediate transport to the affected areas. To date, the U.S. has 
contributed more than $1.3 million to the relief efforts in Israel, and 
I am committed to ensuring that our friend and ally has the necessary 
resources to recover over the days and weeks ahead. I also want to 
commend the generous contributions of personnel and firefighting 
resources from so many of Israel's neighbors, including Egypt, Jordan, 
and Turkey. It is heartening to know that even in a region fraught with 
conflict and tension, the human desire to assist one another in times 
of great need transcends political differences.
  The celebration of perseverance and hope during this Hanukkah season 
is a comforting reminder of our ability to overcome great hardship and 
to look toward the future. I am pleased to cosponsor this resolution of 
solidarity with the Israeli people, who are foremost in my thoughts and 
prayers at this very difficult time.
  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I join my 
colleagues in mourning the devastating losses Israel suffered in the 
Carmel fire. It is a human tragedy and an environmental tragedy.
  As we pay tribute to those who gave their lives in an effort to save 
others, we can at least find comfort in the wave of international 
support and assistance that enabled Israel to extinguish the massive 
fire within days. The United State is proud to have a played a leading 
role in these efforts by procuring and delivering the massive 
quantities of firefighting materials that were used in multiple sorties 
over the affected areas.
  We rallied to Israel's side because she is a close ally and friend. 
And so many other countries eagerly responded as well because, quite 
frankly--Israel is among the first to offer aid when others are in 
need.
  After earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, Colombia, Turkey, China, Pakistan 
and Iran, Israelis were among the first to join the rescue missions or 
send supplies. They have helped Cyprus and Greece in battling forest 
fires and provided aid in the aftermath of Central American floods, 
Asian typhoons, and the tragic 2004 tsunami. An Israeli team arrived in 
Louisiana shortly after our own Hurricane Katrina.
  Sadly, one casualty of the Carmel fire is Yemin Orde, a youth village 
founded in 1953 to accommodate orphans who immigrated to Israel after 
the Holocaust. Today, the campus is home to more than 500 children from 
ages 9 to 19 that have been resettled from Russia, Ethiopia, and 
elsewhere where they lived in orphanages, had no family to care for 
them, or experienced traumatic life events. While the children and 
staff were safely evacuated as the fire broke out, more than 40 percent 
of the village's facilities were destroyed by the flames and many 
children had to relive the trauma of being suddenly uprooted from their 
familiar world. I have been to Yemin Orde. I share their sorrow and 
their conviction to ensure that these vulnerable children and the 
school's vital mission continue to be cared for now and in the future.
  U.S. teams are already on the ground working with Israeli experts to 
stabilize the area and make sure that the forest can be successfully 
replanted. Today, communities across the United States are mobilizing 
through the Jewish National Fund and other organizations to help Israel 
preserve, replant and restore. The blue box of the JNF was a permanent 
feature in my parents' home, collecting coins to plant trees in the 
budding state of Israel and its mission continues in earnest. With 
partnership and determination we can look forward to a day when the 
Carmel forest will flourish again.
  As Israelis survey the devastation in Carmel, they can take solace 
that they were not alone at a time of crisis and that they will not be 
alone in the rebuilding effort.
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in 
supporting H. Res. 1751, a resolution mourning the loss of life and 
extending condolences to the families affected by the fire in northern 
Israel. Thank you to my colleague, Representative Ron Klein, for 
offering this resolution.
  I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the families and 
loved ones who have lost their lives in the fires in northern Israel. 
We stand by Israel during this difficult time and pledge our assistance 
in the wake of this tragedy.
  On December 2, 2010, a massive wildfire broke out in the northern 
region of Israel, near the city of Haifa. The four day fire ravaged the 
Carmel mountain forests, forcing the evacuation of over 17,000 
residents. One of the worst forest fires in Israel's history, this 
inferno claimed as many as 40 lives.
  The fire damaged about 5 million trees and 12,000 acres. In a country 
where only 7 percent of the land is forested, the loss of precious 
woodland was felt as a national loss. In total, the fire caused about 
$74 million in damages, including 250 homes.
  In response to this tragedy, the United States and the international 
community stepped in to help Israel battle the flames. The U.S. 
answered Israel's request for assistance by providing much needed 
supplies, technical expertise, and equipment.
  I applaud the individuals, businesses and philanthropic organizations 
across the United Sates and throughout the international community who 
have responded to the devastation in Israel with an outpouring of 
generosity and support.
  With help from the United States and our friends worldwide, Israel 
will overcome this challenge. We pledge our continued support as Israel 
works to restore damaged communities, replenish wildlife, and plant new 
forests.
  Mr. KLEIN of Florida. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Klein) that the House suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1751.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

[[Page 19085]]



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