[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 45 (Wednesday, April 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CONGRATULATING THE STATE OF ISRAEL ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 1998

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this opportunity to 
congratulate the State of Israel and all of the people of Israel as 
they celebrate the 50th anniversary of their nation's independence.
  The desire of the Jewish people to establish an independent modern 
State of Israel is the outgrowth of the existence of the historic 
Kingdom of Israel established three thousand years ago in the City of 
Jerusalem and in the land of Israel, and was finally realized with the 
assistance of the world community following the slaughter of six 
million European Jews during the Holocaust.
  The people of Israel rightly take great pride in having rebuilt a 
nation, forged a new and dynamic society, and created a unique and 
vital economic, political, cultural, and intellectual life despite the 
heavy costs of six wars, terrorism, international ostracism, and 
economic boycotts. Furthermore, under these difficult circumstances, 
the people of Israel have established a vibrant and functioning 
pluralistic democratic political system including freedom of speech, a 
free press, free, fair and open elections, the rule of law, and other 
democratic principles and practices.
  Because of our shared experience in building new nations and 
recognizing the fundamental liberties of our people, the United States 
and Israel have maintained a special relationship based on mutually 
shared democratic values, common strategic interests, and moral bonds 
of friendship and mutual respect. In addition, the American people have 
shared an affinity with the people of Israel and regard Israel as a 
trusted ally and an important strategic partner.
  I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to the State of 
Israel and her people for a peaceful, prosperous, and successful 
future.

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