Jane Harman: “as the daughter of a refugee from Nazi Germany, issues of anti-Semitism and the continuing terrorist violence against…”

“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 the resolutions debated this afternoon and commend their sponsors. There is a fleeting chance for peace in the Middle East, the first since the brutal and feckless second Intifada began almost 3 years ago. But success depends on reining in Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic jihad, and others committed to ongoing terror. One of those others is Palestinian Authority Chairman Yassir Arafat, who should be pressed or forced to step aside in order to allow the nation's government of Mahmoud Abbas to succeed. Mr. Speaker, 5 years ago I accompanied President Clinton to Gaza and to Israel. Much of what he sought has been undone by the second Intifada. The escalation of violence has not only killed people, it has all but killed hope. We need to rekindle that hope. I urge passage of this resolution.”