Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, the State Department has said in a rather comprehensive fashion that it is unsafe to travel to Israel. It is unsafe to visit there. It is unsafe for our personnel that are stationed there. This has had a broad and draconian effect on the economy of the State of Israel. Make no mistake, Israel is under almost constant state of siege from terrorists. The terrorists are the Palestinians. They take sniper attacks at small children. They blow up buses. Simply put, they are in a state of war, and terrorism is their tool. However, as we have often said in this Chamber, the way that you fight terrorism is to be wary, is to be vigilant, but you do not capitulate. Mr. Chairman, my amendment says to the State Department, let us have a sophisticated way for travelers to know where it is safe and where it is not; but we will not capitulate to terrorists by saying to school groups you should not visit there; saying to businessmen, if you travel there, your travel insurance will not be valid; to simply deal with the true effects of the status that Israel has. Mr. Chairman, I would say to my colleagues that Israel is not a victim and that they are not cowering to the terrorism. It is a thriving country. It is the birthplace of the major religions of the world. It is a place that is joyous and historic to visit.”