Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement on the wave of terrorism in Israel and the murder of American citizen Taylor Force:
“I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Taylor Force. Taylor, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, a U.S. Army combat veteran, and a graduate student at Vanderbilt University, was killed in a stabbing spree at the Jaffa Port, the latest victim of an ugly wave of terrorism sweeping through Israel. Taylor exemplified the very best of our country, and I hope that his memory will be a blessing for all who knew him.
“Israel continues to grapple with the reality of terrorism nearly every day, carried out with knife, scissor, and vehicular ramming attacks. To date, there have been 201 stabbings and attempted stabbing attacks, 81 shootings, and 41 vehicular attacks against Israelis throughout the country.
"When this wave began last year, I felt compelled to introduce legislation in the House of Representatives describing in detail 66 terror attacks that occurred in Israel throughout the month of October alone, and calling on the Palestinian Authority to unequivocally condemn acts of terrorism. Instead, as happened following the murder of Taylor, Fatah continues to glorify terrorists as martyrs and praise the murder of civilians."
“The wave of violence in Israel deserves swift and clear condemnation, not just from the United States, but from the Palestinian government and the entire international community. Terrorism and incitement cannot be tolerated, and I will continue to stand in support of our ally Israel's right to defend herself.”
Congressman Alcee L. Hastings represents Florida’s 20th district, and serves as a Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida delegation.
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