WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representatives Rahm Emanuel (IL-5), and Ray LaHood (IL-18) released the following letter to Secretary Rice on behalf of the students of the Gaza Strip.

The following is the text of the letter:

Dear Secretary Rice:

As a Jewish-American and a Lebanese-American serving together in Congress, we write to you on behalf of students in the Gaza Strip whose future is threatened by the ongoing fighting there.  This past Monday marked the beginning of the 18-day final exam period for students in Gaza.  But the ongoing fighting between Hamas and Fatah militants has disrupted their studies and threatens the successful completion of their exams.

According to news reports, many Palestinian students and their families are in despair over the fighting in Gaza and its impact on their studies.  One student told the Associated Press: “I’m tense.  I am tired.  The situation, the shooting.  We didn’t know how to study.”  Another student said: “I don’t think the situation will allow me to do well, but I’ll do what I can, despite the difficulties.”  A third student was kidnapped by masked militants while returning home after his exams.

It is tragic that this next generation of Palestinians, who are pursuing a brighter future based on knowledge and achievement, are being thwarted by the violence and militancy of their elders.  If there is any hope for peace in that troubled region, it rests with educated people who can build a future of hope and opportunity.  It is our firm belief that the United States should do everything necessary to help them pursue it.

Therefore, we are calling on you to help find a safe place for students in Gaza to complete their final exams.  We urge you to work with allies in the region, such as Egypt and Jordan, to either find a secure location in Gaza for these students, or to transport them to a neighboring country where they can study and take their exams in peace.  Such an effort on your part would serve as an example of our country’s commitment to a better future for the young people of Gaza based on education and achievement rather than militancy and violence. 

Traditionally, the 18 days of the final exam period are akin to a national holiday in Gaza.  This year, their disruption through ongoing fighting and violence could become a national tragedy, instead.  We urge you to use all the diplomatic means at your disposal to give the young students of Gaza a chance.

We look forward to your quick response to our request.