October 31, 2001 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 21295 for his ambitious histories, ‘‘The Catskills: We should support democracy in South Asia and stalking. The Act also reauthorizes critical From Wilderness to Woodstock’’ and ‘‘Wood- in the form of a free and fair plebiscite with grant programs created by VAWA of 1994 and stock: History of an American Town,’’ as well international monitoring on the question of subsequent legislation, establishes new pro- as ‘‘In Catskill Country: Collected Essays on independence for Khalistan, Kashmir, grams, and strengthens federal laws. Mountain History, Life and Lore.’’ Mr. Evers Nagaland, and the other countries seeking I am proud to say that Congress has recog- authored more than fifty children’s books, their freedom from Indian. This will provide the nized that women and children victims of do- which were illustrated by his wife, Helen. opportunity for every one in the subcontinent mestic violence deserve enhanced protection. These books helped bring his deep interest in to live in freedom, dignity, peace, and pros- But we must also take additional steps—we ecology and nature to young people. Alf also perity. That is the best way to promote stability must continue to raise awareness. Socially, served as associate editor of the New York in South Asia. we must emphasize that women have choices. Folklore Quarterly and wrote articles for the I would like to place an article from Burning Traditional ideology has forced women to re- New York Conservationist. Punjab on the complaint into the RECORD at main in dangerous and even fatal situations. Over the years, Alf Evers’ imagination and this time. Women are not the only one in a marriage re- chronicling of the stories of the Catskills have sponsible for its success. Stress, alcohol, HARASSMENT CONTINUES: FORGED CRIMINAL problems at work, and unemployment does inspired people to embrace a sense of place CASE FILED AGAINST ‘‘BURNING PUNJAB’’ by bringing their history to life. An article from not justify the abuser’s behavior. A woman’s Jalandhar—A forged criminal case against identity and worth is not based upon getting several years ago sums up the style of Alf’s web site Burning Punjab’ has been filed in and keeping a man. An abuser’s ‘‘lucid mo- writings: ‘‘Local histories fall into two cat- the Court of Judicial Magistrate Mohinder ments’’ from violence does not make him a egories: useful, but unreadable, chronicles of Singh deputed in Jalandhar Courts. The case ‘‘good man’’. Divorce is a viable alternative. train arrivals and departures or dates of referred Burning Punjab News’ on-line web And it’s okay for family members to intervene deeds; or stories that set a reader down in a news as a newspaper’ published from Chandigarh, just to cover the Burning Pun- and get help for the victims. Choices empower place and transform them into residents. jab staff under India Penal Code. One women to be strong and courageous enough Evers’ work is of the latter category.’’ Alf’s Lashkar Singh has filed the case: DIG of to leave a bad situation and make a better life writing and scholarship have truly set a high Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) of In- for themselves and their children. standard of excellence for regional history, dian Hindu Regime. We must also understand the reasons that which he has made accessible to generations It is pertinent to mention that Burning compel abusers to carry on their outrageous of readers through his skillful and well-re- Punjab web site is aired through European behavior. The abuser continues his behavior and American based servers and satellites. searched narratives. because violence is an effective method for Mr. Speaker, I am proud to pay tribute to Alf It’s registered address is located in United Kingdom but with a motive to harass human gaining and keeping control over another per- for his tenacity and hard work in recording the rights activists working for Burning Punjab son. The abuser objectifies women, sees stories of our past. I appreciate his commit- web site, Indian Police have now manipu- women as property, and does not respect ment to landscape preservation, nature, and lated forge case against them by alleging women as a group. Historically, punishment the arts. The wealth of knowledge that Alf has that Burning Punjab News is a daily news- for this type of violence has lacked severity shared with readers and residents over many paper published from Chandigarh. Whereas and thus deterrent for such behavior. years has truly made him a national treasure, no such newspaper’ published from We must also provide women with more re- and I thank him for his great service. Chandigarh. sources. Most battered women have children, A formal representation has been sent to f are not employed outside of the home, have Chief Justice of Supreme Court and the High Court, urging them to take initiative and no property that are solely theirs, and lack ac- INDIA FILES FAKE CRIMINAL cess to cash or bank accounts. There exist 3 CASE AGAINST BURNING PUNJAB prevent abusing human right activists and also legal process of the land. times more animal shelters than battered WEBSITE women’s shelters in the United States. We f must work to ensure that women have the HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS support system to permit them to leave an OF NEW YORK MONTH abusive relationship. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, our country has come a long way from not treating domestic violence Wednesday, October 31, 2001 HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE against women and children as a ‘‘real’’ crime OF TEXAS Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I was distressed to passing the Violence Against Women Act. to learn that the government of India, which IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES But our efforts must continue to raise aware- calls itself ‘‘the world’s largest demoncracy,’’ Wednesday, October 31, 2001 ness of this very urgent issue. has filed a criminal case against the website Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, f Burning Punjab, which reports news about the we gather tonight to recognize this month of REMARKS OF ISRAELI AMBAS- abuse of Sikhs in Punjab, Khalistan by the In- October as Domestic Violence Awareness SADOR DAVID IVRY AT THE ME- dian government. The website can be found at Month. MORIAL SERVICE FOR YITZHAK http://www.burningpunjab.com/news.html Domestic violence against women remains AND LEAH RABIN The government made the case fit under In- an epidemic in the United States as well as dian law by falsely claiming that Burning Pun- around the world. A UNICEF study shows that jab is ‘‘a newspaper published from up to half of the female population of the world HON. TOM LANTOS Chandigarh.’’ There is no newspaper pub- becomes the victims of domestic violence. OF CALIFORNIA lished, just online news, and Burning Punjab One in every two women is victimized! IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES uses services in the United States and Britain In our own backyard, the statistics are unbe- Wednesday, October 31, 2001 to publish its news. The case was filed by the lievable. According to a Department of Justice Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, the distin- Deputy Inspector General of the terrorist Cen- released on October 28, 2001, women in their guished Ambassador of Israel to the United tral Reserve Police Force. Previously, viewing mid-teens to mid-20’s are three times as likely States had a most personal and longstanding Burning Punjab had been prohibited in several to be attacked by a significant other than an relationship with Israel’s late, great Prime Min- states in northwest India, including Punjab, older women. However, middle-aged women ister Yitzhak Rabin. It is with deep reverence Delhi, and Chandigarh. This is clearly a case between the ages of 35–49 are the most likely for what Yitzhak Rabin stood for that I share filed to harass Burning Punjab for reporting to be killed by an intimate partner than young- Ambassador Ivry’s comments with my col- news the government does not like. I’m sorry, er women. One in 10 girls killed between the leagues. Mr. Speaker, but I fail to see the difference ages of 12 and 15 dies at the hands of her REMARKS OF ISRAELI AMBASSADOR DAVID between this action by ‘‘the world’s largest de- boyfriend or significant other. IVRY AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR mocracy’’ and the repression of the press in The Violence Against Women Act of 2000, YITZHAK AND LEAH RABIN the most tyrannical dictatorships of the world. signed by President Clinton on October 28, ISRAELI AMBASSADOR DAVID IVRY If this is how India treats those who expose 2000, improves legal tools and programs ad- It is with a heavy heart that I stand before its corruption and brutality, it is no democracy. dressing domestic violence, sexual assault, you today, and pay tribute to a couple whose

VerDate Aug 04 2004 08:40 Aug 15, 2005 Jkt 089102 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR01\E31OC1.000 E31OC1 21296 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS October 31, 2001 dedication to Israel brought us hope, whose mains. Today, we remember that peace is tribute their special talents and ideas with their efforts for peace renewed our vision of the fu- not just a dream. It is essential to our fu- communities. Therefore, we should join them ture, and whose legacy will be remembered ture, and the future of generations to come. as allies in their struggle for a social climate for generations to come. Shalom haverim. where equality for both Muslim men and Mus- Yitzhak and Leah Rabin are no longer with Shalom friends. May the memory of us, but their memories are inscribed on the Yitzhak and Leah be with us forever. lim women is respected. Finally, I want to clearly state that the blame stones of history. Sustained in our hearts f and minds forever. Leah was a supportive for the continued discrimination Afghan wife, a devoted mother, and a pillar of PLIGHT OF AFGHAN WOMEN women face is not in Islam, but on the non- strength to those who knew her. Yitzhak was Islamic nature of the Taliban regime. Progres- a man of integrity and vision. An honorable HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD sive based Islamic traditions have been tossed soldier whose greatest mission was his battle aside by the Taliban government and replaced OF CALIFORNIA for peace. with an extremism that is a distortion of true I first met Yitzhak in 1959. I was a young IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Islam. captain, and he, the Deputy Chief of General Wednesday, October 31, 2001 Staff, a respected leader and a critical asset The United States Congress must condemn to the IDF. Our paths frequently crossed Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise the treatment of women in Afghanistan in the again over the years until the day he ap- today to join my colleagues to condemn the name of justice, peace, equality and freedom. proached me and requested that I return to oppressive rule enforced by the Taliban re- It has been too long since Afghan women the Ministry of Defense. gime against women. I thank Congresswoman have enjoyed the rights common in so many I knew him in times of crisis and success. Millender-McDonald, co-chair of Women’s other areas of the world. Mr. Speaker, it is my I found him to be a sensitive man, emotional Caucus, for her leadership in bringing this hope that the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan to the point of tears at the loss of life; a will contribute to establishing a stable and pro- leader who was not only attentive but knew issue to the attention of all members of Con- how to listen. He had a piercing analytical gress. Ms. Millender-McDonald has been a gressive Islamic regime that values women understanding of the issues. He was a man long time advocate for the equal and fair treat- and permits them to contribute positively and who saw the minute details, without losing ment of women both here in the United States equally to a better tomorrow for the citizens of sight of the larger picture. Yitzhak Rabin— and abroad. Afghanistan and future generations. the man of security, who fought in battles Mr. Speaker, the Taliban are a repressive f and wars, Chief of Staff of IDF during the and regressive force in Afghan society. They Six-Day War. rule their country in complete defiance of the TREATMENT OF AFGHAN WOMEN As we mourn the loss of our fallen hero, we 1977 Afghanistan constitution—denying both must remember, he dedicated his career to HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE national defense, and his life to Israel’s fu- men and women the equal rights this docu- OF TEXAS ture. In fact, at the time of his assassina- ment specifically grants them. Under the tion, Rabin served not only as Prime Min- Taliban regime, women, in particular, suffer IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ister, but also as the Minister of Defense. In extreme oppression. Wednesday, October 31, 2001 1986, I served as Director General of the Min- They are isolated in their homes and barred Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, istry of Defense, as per Rabin’s request. I from going to school, working, or even walking held this office for nearly ten years. Basi- thank you for the opportunity to speak on this outside unaccompanied. They are required by very urgent issue of the treatment of the cally, because Rabin would not let me leave. the Taliban never to enter public places with- At our weekly meeting on Friday, Novem- women in Afghanistan. ber third, nineteen ninety-five, I raised the out being completely covered. The windows Yesterday, on Good Morning America, sev- issue of my resignation. I had served an un- on their houses are also covered or painted so eral video clips flashed across the television precedented number of years as Director no one may see them. They live their lives in secretly depicting the horrific and brutal treat- General, and I felt it was time to move on. semi-darkness; faceless and powerless. Those ment of women in Afghanistan. Rabin understood my reasoning, but re- who violate the rules of conduct are beaten or The first clip showed a woman leaving her quested that I stay in that post. After delib- brutalized by roving bands of Taliban police. home dressed in her full burqa, but missing eration, we decided to discuss this and other This oppression of Afghan women not only the shroud that covers her face. A man who pending issues at our next meeting on Sun- compromises their value as human beings, but obviously was not her husband or even rel- day, November fifth. Of course, that con- undermines Afghan society by denying it the versation never took place. With just three ative proceeded to beat her. What was even shots from an assassin, Yitzhak’s potential talents and contributions of its women. In fact, more shocking was that passersby were not as a leader was brought to an end. His life prior to Taliban rule Afghan women were affected by the scene. Such occurrences have was cut short, and the future of the Middle counted amongst the country’s leading doc- become part of their everyday lives. Incredibly, East would never be the same again. tors, lawyers, teachers and political leaders. the beating of women for ‘disciplinary’ as well Though his dreams have not become a re- The contributions they made to their commu- as entertainment reasons is a routine phe- ality, Rabin’s vision for the future lives on. nities were invaluable. nomenon in Afghanistan under the Taliban, an It is kept alive in the heart of each Israeli In addition, as the primary caregivers in extremist Islamic sect. citizen and soldier who wishes to live in a families Afghan women are responsible for in- land of security and peace. Over the past The second clip showed the Taliban exe- year, this dream has been marred by trag- stilling values and a sense of right and wrong cuting a woman accused of killing her abusive edy, sorrow, and pain. But amidst the broken in their children. By demeaning women, the husband. Although the husband’s family for- pieces, the Israeli people have emerged Taliban regime is indoctrinating new genera- gave the woman because she bore his seven united. Bonded by a unique determination tions of children, boys and girls alike with a children, a Taliban fighter was still ordered to and resolve. This resolve has been strength- belief that is counter to a set of values that we shoot her in the back of her head with an ened by the abiding relationship of Israel and all hold dear. It is important for Afghan moth- automatic rifle because she was ‘‘too guilty to the United States. For over half a century, ers and grandmothers to provide inspiration be forgiven.’’ we have stood together as true partners and and hope for a better quality of life to their friends. How can we allow this type of treatment of As a diplomat, general, and statesman, children, and that begins with their own fair women to continue? Yitzhak Rabin appreciated the unwavering and just treatment. If not, what message are With the coming to power of Islamic fun- support of the United States, its vital role in these children being sent when their govern- damentalists, women’s right to fully participate peace negotiations, and our joint efforts to ment demeans and represses those who are in the social, economic, cultural and political maintain stability in the Middle East. Al- at the very heart of family life? What vision for life of the country was drastically curtailed and though regional stability has been shaken, the future can we offer these innocent chil- later on abruptly denied them by the Taliban. the ties that bind us remain strong. As our dren? Women are totally deprived of the right to two nations mourn the tragedy of September Mr. Speaker, the reality is that if we want to education, of the right to work, of the right to eleventh it is clear—the United States and build a world where freedom, democracy, and Israel are forever partners in the pursuit of travel, of the right to health care, of the right security and peace. equality are respected tenets, then women to legal recourse, of the right to recreation, This is just one element of the legacy left have to be equal partners with men in all as- and of the right to being human. behind by Yitzhak Rabin. Though his leader- pects of life. Women all over the world, includ- Some of the heinous restrictions imposed by ship has come to an end, his message still re- ing Afghanistan, value the opportunity to con- the Taliban on women in Afghanistan include:

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