March 6, 2008 – Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) gave the following comments today after a terrorist attack targeting civilians at the Mercaz Harav seminary dining hall in Jerusalem killed at least 8 people.  The attacks occured only one day after the House of Representatives passed H. Res. 951, condemning the ongoing Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli civilians by Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist organizations. Congressman Franks voted with the overwhelming majority of the House of Representatives in condemning the attacks, and decried those in the international community who have called on Israel to restrain itself from militarily engaging Hamas and other terrorist organizations.

“Once again, Israel has had to endure the slaughter of their own children by jihadist terrorists in the midst of calls by the international community for Israel to ‘restrain’ itself.  If such attacks were occurring in America we would be outraged at even the suggestion that we should ‘restrain’ ourselves from taking the necessary action to protect our innocent civilians.

“Hamas has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to massacre innocent women and children and praise efforts like this one with celebration in the streets and text messages to reporters promising there will be more of the same.  As the post Annapolis peace talks continue, it is imperative for the United States to support Israel by refusing to negotiate with terrorists and taking an unequivocal stand against these brutal, relentless, and unconscionable attacks.

“Our deepest prayers and heartfelt condolences are with the family and loved ones of the victims as they suffer through this tragedy.”