Steny Hoyer: “the Jewish holiday of Purim is usually an especially happy one. It is a celebration. Yet this year it was wrought with…”

“the Jewish holiday of Purim is usually an especially happy one. It is a celebration. Yet this year it was wrought with tears and horror--overshadowed by the deaths of Israelis killed by a bomb blast on a crowded bus. Instead of celebration, it was mourning, instead of happiness, it was shock. Like so many of my colleagues, I rise today to join the Members of this body, and the people of America, in condemning the recent heinous terrorist attacks against the people of Israel. These attacks are nothing more than a blatant attempt by the militant Hamas war-mongers to derail the peace process in the Middle East. Their virulent actions against the people of Israel have left scores dead and hundreds wounded. Their actions deserve, at a minimum, world condemnation. Once again, the people of Israel have found their democracy under attack--and once again, instead of reacting hastily and with massive military might--they restrained from seeking a quick revenge--for it is their desire for peace that is stronger than the delirious fanatics that seek to wreak havoc on the peace process. I am pleased that President Clinton will join leaders from throughout the world at a summit in Egypt in a show of unity against both terrorism and the terrorists in the Middle East.”