Missing Soldiers Luncheon:
August 2, 2001Speaker of the Knesset Burg, Senator McCain, Senator Clinton, families of the missing, Rabbi Singer, Mr. Isaacson, distinguished guests,
It is with a heavy heart that I address you today, and call for the safe and speedy return of the four abducted Israelis, missing since October.
Israel is a small nation, and our hearts are one. Incidents of terror affect each and every one of us. We all share in the pain of the four families represented here today.
That of Sergeants Adi Avitan, Binyamin Avraham, Omar Souad, and Mr. Elchanan Tannenbaum.
I can assure you that we in the Israeli Embassy will continue our efforts until your families are reunited, and your lives are made whole once again.
Our gathering here today is of great importance. It signifies the collaborative efforts of the United States and Israel, to ensure the safe return of our citizen and soldiers.
From the Capital in Washington to the Knesset in Jerusalem, we unite in our call for the release of the Israeli captives.
The first step towards this goal is the establishment of immediate contact between the missing and their loved ones, to be followed by their safe return to Israel.
Now is the time to end the nine months of wondering and waiting; of anguish and fear. Now is the time to bring these brave men home.
This is a humanitarian issue, characterized by emotion and love. Such an issue clearly supercedes political conflict between nations.
It is my most sincere hope that the international community will embrace this message, and rally support for our cause.
I would like to thank Speaker Avraham Burg and Senator John McCain, for their leadership and initiative to push this issue forward in both the American and Israeli communities.
As a former prisoner of war, John McCain- possibly more than anybody- understands the pain of the families here today. We greatly appreciate his sensitivity during this critical time.
I would also like to thank the Members of Congress, for their bipartisan support of Israel, and demonstration of deep concern for this cause.
Our cooperation in this matter is an illustration of the common moral code, value system, and humanitarian interests shared by our two great nations.
We are all praying for these four men, and for their safe and speedy return to Israel. Our nation is anxiously awaiting them with open arms.
Thank you, and Shalom.
