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Mr. Speaker: As the daughter of a refugee from Nazi Germany, issues of anti-Semitism and the continuing terrorist violence against Israel are close to my heart. I strongly support both House resolutions we are considering today and comment their sponsors. The opportunity for peace in the Middle East is the first since the brutal and feckless second Intifada began almost three years ago. The President's Roadmap to Peace affords a fragile opportunity for Israelis and Palestinians to rebuild trust and cooperation, but efforts will fail if extremists continue to kill innocent people. The recent Aqaba summit underscored the challenge each party faces in the months and years ahead. It also underscored the commitment of each party to succeed - beginning with a condemnation of terrorist violence. But, success depends on reining in Hamas, and others, committed to ongoing terror against Israelis. One of those others is Palestinian Authority chairman Yasser Arafat, who should be pressed to step aside and allow the nascent government of Mahoud Abbas to succeed. Mr. Speaker, five years ago I accompanied President Clinton on his historic trip to Israel and Gaza. I watched as the Palestinian Authority voted to strike from its constitution the declaration seeking the destruction of Israel. I watched as President Clinton joined in the ceremony opening a new airport in Gaza. The second Intifada all but obliterated the progress made by these and other critical steps towards peace. The escalation of violence has not only killed people, it has all but killed hope. We need to rekindle that hope.
And, as importantly, the resolution recognizes continued US leadership
in helping broker a peace that will lead to the creation of another democratic
state that, like Israel, is based on the rule of law, mutual respect for
human rights, and security cooperation. Home | Lobby | Congresswoman Harman's Office | Press | Issues | Casework | District Office | Library | Webmaster | Privacy Policy | Contact
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