We express our profound sorrow at the tragic loss of life and offer heartfelt condolences to the families of those brutally murdered in this weekend's terrorist attacks in Israel, attacks which were targeted at civilians and designed for maximum carnage. One of those killed in the Haifa bus bombing yesterday was 30 year old Riki Hadad, of Yokne'am, St. Louis' Partnership 2000 community. Our prayers go out to the injured for a full and speedy recovery. A 19 year old St. Louisan studying in Israel, Temima Spetner, is among the seriously injured.
The cancer that is terrorism has once again claimed innocent victims. This cancer must be excised. The Palestinians have not complied with their obligation, outlined by the terms of the Oslo accords, to police terrorists. As President Bush has made clear in his response to this weekend's outrages, words are not enough. Chairman Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian Authority, must take immediate and meaningful responsibility and act accordingly. Incitement in the Palestinian media and schools must end.They must dismantle the terrorist infrastructure in Palestinian-controlled areas that enables such attacks to be launched. It comes as no surprise that these attacks have continued. Since its rejection, 15 months ago, of then Prime Minister Barak's generous peace settlement offer, the Palestinian Authority has released hundreds of terrorists from prison. They must arrest the terrorists they are harboring and keep them imprisoned.
The people of Israel have the right, as do all people in all countries, to live without the threat of terrorist attack. They have the right to go to a pedestrian mall or board a bus without fear for their lives. Since the Palestinian Authority has demonstrably refused to do what is necessary to curb terror, Israel must reserve for itself freedom of action to respond to the security needs of its people. The government of Israel, like all governments, must take those steps necessary to prevent terrorist attacks on its its citizens.
Letters of condolence to the family of Riki Hadad, and letters wishing recovery for Temima Spetner can be sent to the JCRC at 12 Millstone Campus Drive and will be forwarded to Israel.