May 8, 2008
Congratulations on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the state of Israel and for holding this forum. This is both a joyous and a solemn occasion as we celebrate the birth of the state of Israel, and remember the constant struggle since, for its survival.
The United States of America is a strong and unwavering ally of Israel. Likewise, I strongly support the state of Israel and the U.S.-Israel relationship. Both nations share a commitment to democracy, human rights, freedom and peace. In a region containing regimes that support terrorism and have condemned the mere existence of the Israel, it is important to remember and acknowledge that Israel is a nation that stands with the United States and shares our values.
As a Member of the House of Representatives, I will be an unwavering supporter of the bond our nations have. Support for Israel, the lone Western democracy in the Middle East is an American value and is as important for American interests as it is for those of Israel.
I am also a strong supporter of the peace process and of the two state solution that has been the goal in the holy lands since the birth of Israel . It is important to recognize the many strong steps Israel has taken to achieve this solution, from unilaterally withdrawing from Gaza to removing several checkpoints in the West Bank, all while facing a constant threat from its neighbors. The Oslo Peace Accords remain the highlight of the peace process, and American leadership must renew a strong push for the basic agreement of peaceful coexistence.
Unfortunately, the policies of the Bush Administration for the past 7 years have inhibited the peace process rather than enhanced it. It has been disengaged from the process and because of its failures in the War in Iraq , it has indirectly strengthened Hamas and Hezbollah. Furthermore, by destabilizing the Middle East, it has strengthened Iran and expanded the influence of the Ahmadinejad government.
In order to advance once again towards the ultimate goal of peaceful coexistence, America and the international community must work to strengthen the role of moderates within the Palestinian Authority. The United States must not work with any organization such as Hamas or any Palestinians entities controlled by Hamas, unless and until Hamas renounces all forms of terrorism and violence, recognizes the right of Israel to exist peacefully, agrees to abide by all previous agreements signed by the Palestinian Authority and joins the rest of the world community in respectful dialogue aimed at resolving differences and achieving lasting peace. Palestinian leadership must shoulder their responsibility to end violence and take concrete and real steps towards peace.
The Threat Posed by Iran
The Iranian government is a self-described threat to the existence of the state of Israel. Furthermore, the Ahmadinijad government exacerbates tensions through increasingly belligerent talk while attempting to deceive the international community about its efforts to develop nuclear weapons.
For decades American Presidents have declared Iran a state-sponsor of terrorism. Iran, a country whose leadership has called for the destruction of the state of Israel, must not be allowed to obtain the weapons necessary to complete such an ill fated agenda.
A nuclear-armed Iran would not only pose a threat to Israel but a direct threat to the United States and a danger to the peace and security of the entire world.
America must work with its allies, the European Union, China and Russia to send a unified, strong, and unequivocal message to Tehran that it must cease its quest for nuclear weapons. I believe the current administration has not shown the understanding, ability, or willingness to take the steps necessary to engage the world community in solving this problem. Rather than tackling this issue head-on the Bush Administration has relied on shallow saber rattling that has fostered a threatening environment that has achieved nothing but encouraging Tehran to continue its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Furthermore, by its inept handling of the War in Iraq, the Administration has undermined the ability of the United States to credibly threaten the use of our military might as a deterrent.
The United States and our allies must refocus their efforts on the real threats to U.S., Israeli, and world security. Iran, North Korea, proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, Al Qaeda, and the underlying causes of radical, extremist, and anti-Western thought in the Middle East must be addressed... directly, strongly, and unapologetically.
Foreign Aid
Israel is traditionally one of the largest recipients of foreign aid from the United States. I believe this is money well invested. As a member of the House of Representatives, I will fully support passage of foreign assistance of Israel every year, both military and economic assistance. I will also support the continuance of the unique U.S.-Israel defense relationship through cooperative work on missile defense and counter-terrorism programs.
As previously stated, I believe the United States must not work with organizations such as Hamas or Hezbollah un any way, direct or indirect, until they renounce terrorism and violence in all forms, and respect the right of Israel to exist and the Israeli people to live in peace. As such, United States humanitarian assistance must be provided directly to the Palestinian people, bypassing any Hamas-led entities. Relief of the suffering of the Palestinian people is good for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Similarly, rearming of militants in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon is bad for Israelis, Palestinians, and the Lebanese people. Arm shipments to militants must be stopped. The United States must re-engage the international community to shutting down the arms trade and pressuring the Syrian and Iranian governments into ending their support for Hezbollah and all other organizations that advocate violence as a solution. Peace cannot be achieved for any of these nations while support for violence and terrorism continues.
Energy
It is clear that a key requirement for the economies, environments and security of both Israel and the United States is energy independence. U.S.-Israel cooperation in research and development of alternative, sustainable and renewable energy sources must be made a priority of both nations. As a member of Congress I will advocate for increased and continual funding of such initiatives until the problem is solved.
Conclusion
Instability... in Palestinian territory, in Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan or Pakistan... makes for insecurity for Israel, other neighboring countries, Europe, and all the way across the globe here in the United States.
Poverty, despair, lack of democracy, lack of economic opportunity, lack of freedom amongst any people makes for instability and insecurity amongst that people and amongst all peoples. The blessings of democracy, freedom and peace that the United States and Israel share at the core of our values are also gifts that we can share with the rest of the world. Despite the rhetoric of extremists fomenting violence in order to strengthen their own positions, it is these shared values that oppressed people world round seek and it is these by further sharing these values that peace will ultimately be achieved.
