Crowley, Mahoney Condemn Hamas for Using Children's Television to Instill Hatred, Violence, and Anti-Semitism in Gaza Youth

Statement

Crowley, Mahoney Condemn Hamas for Using Children's Television to Instill Hatred, Violence, and Anti-Semitism in Gaza Youth

Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY-7) and Congressman Tim Mahoney (FL-16) have called on their Congressional colleagues to condemn Hamas for using its children's television programming to promote hatred, violence, and anti-Semitism amongst Gaza youth. Recent footage of an Al-Aqsa TV program for kids called "Tomorrow's Pioneers" includes a puppet show depicting a child murdering of President Bush. In the past, Al-Aqsa has used Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny look-alikes for Anti-Semetic and Anti-Western propaganda. The Crowley-Mahoney resolution would condemn Hamas for its recent actions.

"Instead of promoting violence, our children should be taught to respect and accept all people, no matter their faith," said Congressman Crowley. "Hamas is trying to use Al-Aqsa TV programming to breed a new generation of terrorists. The U.S. Congress must condemn these efforts and denounce those who preach hate and violence, especially to our children - without whom we will never have a lasting peace in Gaza and across the Middle East. Thank you to Congressman Mahoney for joining me in introducing this important resolution."

"I am honored to join my good friend and colleague, Representative Crowley, on this important piece of legislation. During a time when the United States is working with Israel and Palestine to bring piece to the region, it is incomprehensible and counterproductive to be filling Palestinian children with more hatred and fear," said Congressman Mahoney. "If lasting peace is to be achieved, this type of anti-Semitic and anti-American propaganda must be stopped. I hope the U.S. Congress will send a clear message to Hamas that this type of behavior will not be tolerated by passing this legislation."

Congressmen Crowley and Mahoney have asked their Congressional colleagues to sponsor the Crowley-Mahoney bill condemning Hamas for using children's programming to propagate hate. Full text of the Dear Colleague is posted below.

Congressman Crowley has visited Israel seven times and is a Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; Congressman Mahoney has seen the workings of Hamas first-hand in his recent trip to Israel.

TEXT OF DEAR COLLEAGUE CONDEMNING HAMAS FOR CHILDREN'S TELEVISION PROMOTING HATE AND VIOLENCE

April 1, 2008

Dear Colleague:

Peace is not just about a lasting end to military hostilities between warring factions, but the creation of an environment where people can live and coexist side-by-side. The Annapolis Conference in November 2007 triggered a renewed sense of hope and purpose for resolving the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Sadly, much more needs to be done to bring about a peaceful two state solution. Adding to the conflict is Hamas, the governing party in the Gaza Strip and a terrorist organization that continues to call for the destruction of Israel and has been working to undermine this process through rocket fire and attacks against the State of Israel.

Rockets and attacks by Hamas kills innocent Israelis, but even more sickening are their efforts to use their television network, Al-Aqsa TV, to air a children's show "Tomorrow's Pioneers" to breed new terrorists through hatred for the Israel and Western nations. In the past, they have used Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny look-alikes to tell children they, "will finish off the Jews and eat them." Now, Hamas has a puppet show that depicts President Bush being murdered. This blatant propaganda aims to indoctrinate children, incite them toward hatred and violence against Israel, and undermine efforts to firmly establish peace in the Middle East for generations to come.

Instead of promoting violence, our children should be taught to respect and accept all people, no matter their faith. That is why I hope you will join me in introducing legislation condemning Hamas for using a children's TV show to spread the message of hatred and violence. If you would like to become a cosponsor, please contact Gregg Sheiowitz with my staff at x5-3965 or gregg.sheiowitz@mail.house.gov.

Sincerely,

Joseph Crowley Member of Congress

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