For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 1, 2001

Statement by the President

I was horrified and saddened to learn of the bombings that took place tonight in Jerusalem.  I strongly condemn them as acts of murder that no person of conscience can tolerate and no cause can ever justify.  On behalf of the American people, I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, to my friend Prime Minister Sharon, and to all the people of Israel. Chairman Arafat and the Palestinian Authority must immediately find and arrest those responsible for these hideous murders. They must also act swiftly and decisively against the organizations that support them. Now more than ever, Chairman Arafat and the Palestinian Authority must demonstrate through their actions, and not merely their words, their commitment to fight terror.