Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement on Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day: “Today I am delighted to mark the anniversary of the creation of the State of Israel, known as Yom Ha’atzmaut, a day on which we celebrate its establishment and growth, and recognize the fortitude of the Israeli people. “For 67 years, Israel has stood as a shining example of freedom and democracy in a region plagued by violence and oppression. Since President Harry S. Truman famously r...
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Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) introduced the Defend Israel by Defunding Foreign Aid Act of 2015, which prohibits assistance to the Palestinian Authority (PA) until it withdraws its request to join the International Criminal Court (ICC): “Palestinian President Mahmooud Abbas’ application to join the International Criminal Court (ICC) is an affront to all of those who have engaged for years in efforts to accomplish a peaceful resolution to the decades long Israeli–Palestinian conflic...
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Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in response to a seven-month extension through July 1, 2015 on nuclear talks with Iran, after negotiations to reach a comprehensive deal on the country’s nuclear program by the P5+1 surpassed the self-imposed deadline of November 24, 2014: “While I agree that all efforts to secure a diplomatic solution must be continued, providing sanctions relief without considerable progress and assurances sets a dangerous precedent and t...
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Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement regarding an attack on a synagogue in Jerusalem, which took the lives of four individuals, including three Americans, as well as left six people wounded: “Today’s vicious attack on a Jerusalem synagogue is an affront to peace and our common humanity. The four individuals murdered, Rabbi Moshe Twersky, Rabbi Aryeh Kupinsky, Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Goldberg, and Rabbi Kalman Levine, were faith leaders in their community. It is truly a ...
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Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement to welcome the beginning of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, which begins at sundown tonight: “As my friends in the Jewish community mark the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, I would like to take this opportunity to offer my warmest wishes for good health, happiness, and peace in the New Year. While we may live in an uncertain world, the coming year offers us a chance to make a positive difference for the future. Let us celebrate ou...
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Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement on the deaths of the three kidnapped Israeli teens: “Words cannot truly begin to describe the sorrow I felt today when I learned of the deaths of Eyal Yifrah, Gilad Sha’er, and Naftali Frenkel. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of these young men, as they mourn the loss of their loved ones. “The individuals who kidnapped and caused the deaths of these innocent teens need to be held accountable for their cru...
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Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement on the kidnapping of three Israeli students in the West Bank: “My thoughts and prayers are with Eyal Yifrah, Gilad Sha’er, Naftali Frenkel, and their families at this most difficult time. Those individuals who kidnapped these innocent teens should be held accountable for their cowardly actions. Acts of terror like this have no place in our society. I stand in support of Israel as they work to bring these brave young people home sa...
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Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement recognizing the 66th Anniversary of Israel’s Independence: “On Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel celebrates its founding by Prime Minister David Ben Gurion in 1948. Since then, Israel has stood as a dynamic democracy in the Middle East region with its rich culture, vibrant economy, and commitment to peace. “Yet, independence has come at a great price. This is why on the day before celebrating its independence, Israel observes Yom Hazikaron, ...
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Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) joined with others around the world in honoring the victims of the Holocaust and recognizing Holocaust Remembrance Day and the Days of Remembrance: “Between 1940 and 1945, two out of every three Jews in Europe perished in ghettos, mass shootings, forced labor camps, and extermination camps during the Holocaust. Nazi Germany carried out the systematic persecution, dehumanization, and execution of more than six million Jews throughout Europe, includ...
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Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) issued the following statement regarding his visit last week to Jerusalem, Israel, where he held meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres, as well as with the Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations (Mossad), Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, and other officials. "This was my fifteenth trip to Israel as a Member of Congress. I truly appreciate the warmth and hospitality of the Israeli people. I believe that t...
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