[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 14, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E927]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONCERNING THE DEATH OF CHAIM HERZOG

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JIM BUNNING

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 1997

  Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise today to 
recognize the passing of a true hero of Israel, President Chaim Herzog. 
His leadership and perseverance are examples of why Israel remains the 
only freely elected country in the Middle East.
  Chaim Herzog dedicated his life to the creation and preservation of a 
free and independent Israel. As a true patriot, Mr. Herzog bravely 
fought the Nazis as Director of British Intelligence in northern 
Germany and after the war served as an officer in the Israeli Army 
during the war of independence in 1948. With Israel's independence 
secured, Chaim Herzog took on the responsibility of heading Israel's 
military intelligence branch and served as the country's defense 
attache here in Washington, DC until 1954. After a long and 
distinguished career, Mr. Herzog retired from the army in 1962, with 
the rank of major-general.
  Even after leaving military service, Mr. Herzog continued his work to 
ensure Israel's freedom. During the Six-Day War, Mr. Herzog was a voice 
for his people by providing in-depth analysis of the victorious Israeli 
Army and Air Force. Afterward, he became the first military governor of 
the West Bank.
  Mr. Herzog soon returned to public service by serving as Israel's 
Ambassador to the U.N. from 1975 to 1978, where he argued against the 
U.N. resolution equating Zionism with racism and led the charge in 
defending the triumphant rescue of Israeli hostages in Uganda.
  Mr. Herzog, returned to Israel where he was elected to the Knesset in 
1981, serving until 1983. In 1983, Mr. Herzog was chosen as the sixth 
President of the State of Israel and served two terms, until 1993. 
During this time he improved relations between our two countries and 
continued Israel's efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.
  Israel has lost a great hero with the passing of Chaim Herzog and 
America has lost a great friend.

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