Lake County Gazette

WASHINGTON—On June 22, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement on recent West Bank violence:

"In the face of rising violence by Palestinian groups and Israelis living in the West Bank, I condemn the murder of four Israelis at Eli and the retaliatory attacks by Israeli settlers in Turmus Ayya and other towns—and look to other leaders around the world to follow suit.

“The Palestinian Authority is at grave risk of losing control of areas it governs, requiring the IDF to fill the vacuum. The government of Israel and the IDF must act to defend all Israelis from terrorist attacks. The government of Israel also has a responsibility to protect Palestinians from settler violence – which Israel has repeatedly acknowledged. Responding to terror with terror, setting fire to Palestinian homes and attacking Palestinian families, most recently resulting in the death of a young father, is unacceptable.

“Recent violence strikes particularly close to home in Illinois, as our State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid was present and threatened while visiting his parents who live in Turmus Ayya. I am deeply relieved to learn that Rashid and his family are safe.

“The news that three Israeli attackers have been arrested is a positive step. All who participated must be held to account.

“All families, Israeli and Palestinian, deserve to feel safe in their homes and hold fast to their dreams for the future – a dream I share –  where they can live side by side in mutual security, peace, and prosperity."

Original source can be found here.