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Washington, DC -- U.S. Rep. Ron Klein spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday to commemorate the one year anniversary of three Israeli soldiers who were captured by Hizbullah terrorists. Below is the text of his remarks:
Hon. Ron Klein
In the House of Representatives
July 12, 2007
Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great solemnity, to mark the one year anniversary of the killing of three Israeli soldiers and the kidnapping of two others, Eldad Regev and Udi Goldwasser. On July 12, 2006, Hizbullah terrorists crossed into Israel and attacked two IDF armored jeeps as they were patrolling Israel’s northern border.
Eldad is 26, born in Kiryat Motzkin. I met Eldad’s brother, Benny, in Israel last summer, just weeks after his brother’s kidnapping. He begged us to spread the message back to the United States that we must do everything possible to bring the missing soldiers home. Eldad’s family and friends pray every day for Eldad’s safety and his swift return. They wrote of him:
“One of the qualities that makes Eldad so special is the kindness of his heart – never hesitating to donate and offer aid to anyone in need. He always likes to stay informed and is constantly involved in what is happening around him.”
Udi is 31 from Nahariya. I met Udi’s mother just a few months ago when she visited members of Congress on Capitol Hill. She came to raise awareness about the plight of her son and others who were kidnapped. Udi had just married Karnit when he was captured, and his wife had to spend their one year anniversary alone, wondering where her husband was and in what condition he was in. His friends and family wrote:
“He is a loving caring person, always ready to offer a helping hand in any situation. He is a man of principles and values, knowledgeable in many varied subjects.”
Unfortunately, Eldad and Udi are not alone among Israel’s missing soldiers. Three weeks before their capture, Hamas kidnapped IDF soldier, Gilad Shalit. The Shalit family has also met with many communities across the United States, urging people to remember their son and speak out on his behalf.
I rise tonight to make sure that the plight of the soldiers is not forgotten. I rise to honor the sacrifice of these soldiers and their families who wait everyday for news of their circumstances.
Here in my hand I have a copy of their dogtags. The United Jewish Communities delivered a copy of the dogtags to every member of Congress to help raise awareness that it has been one year since the families have heard from their loved ones. It has been one whole year since they have seen their husband, son, brother. These families have not heard one word from the captors about whether they are OK.
I join the families of the soldiers and all freedom-loving Americans in calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Eldad, Udi and Gilad. America stands with Israel in its refusal to let these soldiers be forgotten. Let their dog tags on the floor of the House of Representatives serve as a symbol of unwavering vigilance and support. American families and Israeli families are united in the hope that these families should suffer no longer.
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