[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 73 (Thursday, May 4, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6147-S6148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        ISRAELI INDEPENDENCE DAY

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleagues and 
millions around the world in celebrating Israel's 47th year of 
independence. Israel's rapid economic progress and strength are 
testimony to the vigilance and determination of the Jewish people.
  As we celebrate nearly five decades of Israeli autonomy, we call to 
mind the many of today, yesterday, and centuries past who share a 
common bond: The dedication of their lives to establish and maintain a 
country that every Jewish person can call home. As Israeli President 
Ezer Weizman recently stated, ``The State of Israel achieved its 
position due to the fact that its people aimed for peace and fought for 
it, despite all difficulties.'' For the Jewish people, adversity has 
served as an incentive rather than a deterrent. According to Prime 
Minister Shimon Perez, ``Israel will continue her quest for peace. At 
the same time, she will fight those who fight peace.'' As friends, the 
people of the United States salute the conviction and perseverance the 
Jewish people as we, on this occasion of independence, reaffirm our 
shared belief in Israel's sovereignty.
  The tiny democracy of Israel thrives in a region historically 
barraged with 
[[Page S6148]] anti-Western sentiment. Since its inception, Israel has 
experienced regional opposition from dictators such as Egypt's Gamal 
Abdel Nasser and Iraq's Saddam Hussein. Yet Israel has flourished 
amidst such hostility. Through open, democratic elections, majority 
rules representation, and the support of her allies, Israel has proven 
that a democracy can succeed in a region of otherwise undemocratic 
nations. Today we applaud the tenacity and the vision of the Israeli 
people and their success in making democracy work for nearly half a 
century.
  Israel's charter reads that the new state ``will rest upon the 
foundation of liberty, justice, and peace as envisioned by the prophets 
of Israel, and that it will be loyal to the principles of the United 
Nations Charter.'' Almost immediately, President Truman recognized the 
similarity between the United States Constitution and the Israeli 
proclamation and became the first foreign leader to endorse the newly 
formed state. With the help of allies like the United States and the 
path-breaking leadership of individuals such as Menachim Begin and 
Former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, Israel has been able to maintain 
and even expand its strategic alliances throughout the world.
  Mr. President, the State of Israel has made tremendous progress over 
the past 47 years. Israel has emerged as a scientific and technological 
leader. Last year, the Israeli economy grew more than 7 percent--a 
growth rate higher than the more advanced economies. This is clear 
evidence of Israel's commitment to progress, and the willingness of 
countries all over the globe to recognize Israel as a viable trade 
partner. The Israeli people have repeatedly looked beyond the events of 
the day and maintained a focus on the need building a strong scientific 
and technological base. Neither terrorism nor war has diminished their 
desire to maintain a strong, independent nation.
  Without a doubt, the people of Israel could not have flourished so 
quickly without the support of friends and family living abroad. By 
conveying their support for Israel, Jewish people living in the 
diaspora have demonstrated their commitment to a Jewish homeland. 
Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres recently stated that, ``No nation 
has been helped as much by its brothers and sisters.'' Americans of all 
religions and creeds are brothers and sisters of the people of Israel. 
Our nations share a bond of similar values. Our experiences are their 
lessons. Israel and the United States of America have demonstrated that 
a democratic society can withstand the forces of hate, oppression, and 
terror. That is why we have embraced Jews living within this Nation and 
have pledged our support to their homeland.
  In spite of a housing shortage, Israel maintains an open door to 
Jewish immigrants. The Israeli Government has made it clear that it 
will not refuse the admission of Jewish immigrants due to external 
political pressures. To do so would contradict a major principle of the 
Jewish faith--that ``all Jews are responsible for one another.'' 
President Weizman recently reaffirmed this belief by insisting that, 
``The significance of sons and daughters coming to Israel in large 
numbers to feel and breathe the atmosphere cannot be overemphasized. 
Israelis, on their part, will take them to their hearts.'' This long-
standing policy has been a beacon of hope for the 600,000 Soviet and 
50,000 Ethiopian Jews who fled their besieged countries and settled in 
their new homeland.
  Today's celebration of Israeli independence should bring to mind the 
determined spirit of the Jewish people. After centuries of struggle and 
persecution, the Jewish people finally have a cultural, political, and 
religious sanctuary. To our friends in Israel, we Americans share in 
your continuing efforts to achieve regional peace and the further 
economic progress of your homeland. The celebration of Israeli 
independence is a celebration of the permanence of democracy. We 
recognize that no force can defeat your spirit of self-determination. 
In the words of Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, ``neither war not 
holocaust nor threats nor animosity could cut the energy of your 
people.''
  Mr. President, today is a great day for all Jewish people and all 
people in democratic societies. The nation of Israel stands as a great 
tribute to the fortitude of the human spirit. I am pleased to join with 
my colleagues in wishing the Jewish people, especially those in my home 
State of South Dakota, a happy and peaceful 47th Yom Ha'atzmaut.


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