Ben Chandler on Israel

I just got back from vacation to find this email in my inbox.

Transcript of Remarks by Congressman Ben Chandler on
the Israel Support Resolution in July, 2006 (House of Representatives)

Mr. Chandler:
"Mr. Speaker--I am deeply troubled by the recent violent events in the Middle East.

The United States must stand with Israel and recognize their right to defend their people and country from these unprovoked acts of terrorism.

Innocent civilians are losing their lives right now as a result of extremist religious terrorism.

Take the heartbreaking story of Monica Seidman as an example.
42 year old Monica, a mother of two, moved to the Israeli town of Naharia from Argentina three years ago.

Last Wednesday as she was sitting on her porch having coffee, a Hezbollah fired rocket made a direct hit on her building, instantly killing her.

Monica was the first civilian killed in this conflict. How can this be explained to her children? How will they ever understand the meaning of this attack?

I believe the United States must call on Syria and Iran to stop all support of Hezbollah. The Israeli people do not want violence. They want peace.

They want to be able to go about life without causing harm to anyone else and without fearing for their own safety. Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon six years ago is proof of their desire for peace and stability in the region.

It is my hope that Israel will be able to secure its border quickly and facilitate a safe return for its soldiers captured by Hezbollah and Hamas and that is why I fully support this resolution."

Congressman Ben Chandler
Member of Congress