Pelosi Statement on Return of Bodies of Israeli Soldiers

July 16, 2008

Washington, D.C. - Two years ago, Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev came under attack and abducted while on routine patrol in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon. The incident triggered the 2006 war between Israel and Lebanon. The return of the bodies of the soldiers this morning concludes a tragic chapter for Israel. Speaker Pelosi issued the following statement today on the return of the bodies to Israel.

"In early 2007, Speaker of the Knesset Dalia Itzik visited the Capitol, bringing with her Karnit Goldwasser. Karnit had only been married 10 months when her husband Ehud and his fellow soldier Eldad Regev came under attack during a routine patrol within Israel from Hezbollah terrorists. During our meeting, Karnit gave me copies of their dog tags and I promised to work for their release.

"I have taken the dog tags all around the world and have shown them to heads of state throughout the Middle East, in the hope that Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev would be returned to their loved ones alive.

"Today, our hope has been replaced by grief. As we mourn, I will hold on to these dog tags as a symbol of the sacrifices made - sacrifices far too great - for peace and security for the state of Israel.

"I extend my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Goldwasser and Regev families for the loss of their loved ones Ehud and Eldad. May their memory be a blessing.

"We must all continue to work for the release of Gilad Shalit and other Israeli soldiers who remain in captivity.'