NEW YORK: Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY) released the following statement today, at a news conference with Senator Hillary Clinton, hosted by the Jewish Community Relations Council:

"I am very concerned with the current escalation of violence by the Palestinians in Israel. We stand united today against this violence and urge an immediate end to the contemptible practice of terrorizing and killing innocent children and families as a political tool. This violence that has terrorized the citizens of Israel must come to an end.

"In restaurants, waiters are being forced to check for explosives every 15 minutes. This is not a way to live. The lives of ordinary citizens are being threatened and terrorized each day as the violence in Israel continues. This is simply unacceptable. Now more than ever, we must work together to forge a path to peace.

"The U.S. has no better ally in the Middle East than our friends in Israel. We must demonstrate our support by engaging ourselves and working to find an end to the violence. The seeds of hope were planted one year ago and they have been uprooted. Arafat should be held accountable for his role in the current wave of violence in the Middle East. He must take responsibility for the break in the peace process and abandon the road to destruction.

"Recent acts of violence by the Palestinians expose the difficulties in the road ahead, but it also reminds us how important it is to continue the effort to achieve peaceful coexistence in the area. Peace must prevail! To avoid further escalation of violence, it is absolutely necessary that the two sides come together. Today, we reaffirm our stand behind Israel at this difficult juncture, and restate our commitment to Israel's security.

"Let us join in a call to cease the violence and restore the path to true peace."

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