Free the Israeli Soldiers

FREE THE ISRAELI SOLDIERS -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 20, 2007)

[Page: E1577]

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SPEECH OF
HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ
OF FLORIDA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007

* Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the steadfast friendship between the United States and Israel and to express support for Israeli soldiers held captive by terrorist organizations.

* July 12, 2007 marks the one year anniversary of Hezbollah's infiltration into northern Israel, and it is a stinging reminder of Hezbollah's attack that sparked the bloody conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

* For the past year, three Israeli soldiers have been away from their families, held captive by terrorist organizations. Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev were kidnapped by Hezbollah in the attack on July 12, 2006, and Gilad Shalit was abducted by Hamas on June 25, 2006 near the Gaza Strip.

* Gilad Shalit is the youngest of the three men at the age of 20. He began his service in July of 2005, and volunteered to work in a combat unit. Shalit loves math and sports. Ehud Goldwasser, 31, is always willing to lend a helping hand. Passionate about photography, sailing, and the environment, Goldwasser is recently married and looks forward to starting a family. Eldad Regev, 26, is a law student at Bar Ilan University. Regev enjoys soccer, music, and reading. The families and friends of these talented young men look forward to their safe return.

* Since its independence in 1948, Israel has continuously struggled to protect its citizens and ensure the safety of its men and women in uniform. As a Member of Congress, I recognize the bond between the United States and Israel and support the Israeli people on this solemn anniversary.

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