[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 49 (Tuesday, April 28, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H2362-H2371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENSE OF CONGRESS ON 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDING OF MODERN STATE OF 
                                 ISRAEL

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
joint resolution (H.J. Res. 102) expressing the sense of the Congress 
on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the modern 
State of Israel and reaffirming the bonds of friendship and cooperation 
between the United States and Israel.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                             H.J. Res. 102

       Whereas on November 29, 1947, the United Nations General 
     Assembly voted to partition the British Mandate of Palestine, 
     and through that vote, to create the State of Israel;
       Whereas on May 14, 1948, the people of Israel proclaimed 
     the establishment of the sovereign and independent State of 
     Israel and the United States Government established full 
     diplomatic relations with Israel;
       Whereas 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;
       Whereas one century ago at the First Zionist Congress on 
     August 29 to 31, 1897, in Basel, Switzerland, participants 
     under the leadership of Theodore Herzl affirmed the desire to 
     reestablish a Jewish homeland in the historic land of Israel;
       Whereas the establishment of the modern State of Israel as 
     a homeland for the Jews followed the slaughter of more than 
     six million European Jews during the Holocaust;
       Whereas since its establishment fifty years ago, the modern 
     State of Israel has 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;
       Whereas the people of Israel have established a vibrant and 
     functioning pluralistic democratic political system including 
     freedom of speech, a free press, free and fair and open 
     elections, the rule of law, and other democratic principles 
     and practices;
       Whereas, at great social and financial costs, Israel has 
     absorbed hundreds of thousands of Jews from countries 
     throughout the

[[Page H2363]]

     world, many of them refugees from Arab countries, and fully 
     integrated them into Israeli society;
       Whereas for half a century 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; and
       Whereas the American people have shared an affinity with 
     the people of Israel and regard Israel as a strong and 
     trusted ally and an important strategic partner: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, That the 
     United States--
       (1) recognizes the historic significance of the fiftieth 
     anniversary of the reestablishment of the sovereign and 
     independent modern State of Israel;
       (2) commends the people of Israel for their remarkable 
     achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic 
     democratic society in the Middle East in the face of 
     terrorism, hostility and belligerence by many of her 
     neighbors;
       (3) reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation which 
     have existed between the United States and Israel for the 
     past half-century and which have been significant for both 
     countries; and
       (4) extends the warmest congratulations and best wishes to 
     the State of Israel and her people for a peaceful and 
     prosperous and successful future.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Gilman) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman).


                             General Leave

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on this measure.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 102 expresses the sense of the 
Congress on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the 
modern State of Israel. It reaffirms the bonds of friendship and 
cooperation between our Nation and the State of Israel.
  I want to commend our colleague on the Committee on International 
Relations, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for his 
leadership in sponsoring this resolution and for his unstinting support 
of the State of Israel over the years.
  H. Res. 102 has been cosponsored by more than a majority of our House 
Members. Such support is yet another indication of the special esteem 
in which we hold the State of Israel.
  Mr. Speaker, over 50 years ago the United Nations General Assembly 
voted to partition the British Mandate of Palestine, and through that 
vote to create the State of Israel. On May 14, 1948, Israel became a 
sovereign state and the United States, under President Harry Truman, 
recognized that state.


                Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair would remind the guests in the 
gallery that they are guests of the House and please keep their 
conversations to a minimum.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, within 11 minutes of that recognition, 
President Harry Truman recognized the State of Israel. According to the 
Jewish calendar, that anniversary will be celebrated this week.
  The modern state of Israel was reborn after thousands of years thanks 
to the leadership and years of dedicated commitment by Theodore Herzl 
and hundreds and thousands of men and women who, sharing his vision, 
worked tirelessly to make that dream a reality.
  The reestablished state of Israel became a homeland for Jews who 
survived Hitler's slaughter, as well as those who fled Arab lands as 
well as others in which they had been persecuted. Despite all of those 
difficulties, Israel has absorbed hundreds of thousands of Jews over 
the past five decades, and has become a thriving multicultural 
democracy that holds a special place as a strong ally of our own 
Nation.
  The special relationship that we in our Nation share with Israel is 
based on democratic values, common strategic interests and moral bonds 
of friendship and mutual respect. Israel is a strong and trusted friend 
and is an important strategic partner.
  Mr. Speaker, H.J. Res. 102 therefore recognizes the historic 
significance of the 50th anniversary of the reestablishment of the 
sovereign and independent modern state of Israel. The resolution 
commends the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements despite 
the terrorism, the hostility and belligerence by many of its neighbors.
  This legislation reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation 
which have existed between our Nation and Israel for the past half 
century and which have been significant for both nations. The 
resolution also extends our warmest congratulations and best wishes to 
the state of Israel and to her people for a peaceful, prosperous and 
successful future.
  Accordingly, Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues' full support for 
H.J. Res. 102.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, let me first acknowledge in the gallery the 
distinguished Ambassador of the State of Israel and his party for 
having joined us for this very significant occasion.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the distinguished gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Gilman), chairman of the Committee on International 
Relations, my good friend, for his kind words. Let me just say no one 
in this body has been a more steadfast supporter of the democratic 
state of Israel than Chairman Gilman, who through the years, with 
action after action, has demonstrated his profound commitment to this 
democratic friend and ally of the United States and to the ultimate 
goal of that democratic friend and ally, the securing of a permanent 
and stable peace in the region.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to first briefly discuss the essence of my 
resolution. We here in the Congress are congratulating the modern state 
of Israel, which is the outgrowth of the existence of the historic 
Kingdom of Israel established thousands of years ago in the City of 
Jerusalem and in the land of Israel.
  The establishment of the modern State of Israel 50 years ago followed 
the slaughter of more than 6 million Jews in the concentration camps 
and gas Chambers of Europe.
  Since being created as a tiny nation on a tiny piece of land with a 
population of some 600,000, the modern state of Israel has rebuilt a 
nation, forged a new and dynamic society, created a unique and vital 
economic political, cultural and intellectual life, despite mind-
boggling costs of six wars started against it, continuing terrorism, 
international ostracism and severe economic boycotts.

                              {time}  1545

  The people of Israel have established a vibrant, functioning, 
pluralistic democratic system which cherishes the right of free speech, 
free press, free and fair and open elections, the rule of law, and all 
the democratic practices of a free society.
  During the 50 years of its existence, this young State absorbed well 
over a million refugees from throughout the world, ranging from 
Ethiopia to the former Soviet Union and integrated these people fully 
into the very fabric of Israeli society.
  For a half a century, the United States and Israel have maintained a 
special and unique relationship based on mutually shared democratic 
values, common strategic interests, and moral bonds of friendship and 
mutual respect.
  The American people have shared an affinity with the people of Israel 
and regard Israel as a strong and trusted ally and an important 
strategic partner in the Middle East.
  The resolution we are about to vote on recognizes the historic 
significance of the 50th anniversary of the reestablishment of the 
sovereign and independent modern State of Israel. The resolution 
commends the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements in 
building a new State and a pluralistic democratic society in the Middle 
East in the face of terrorism,

[[Page H2364]]

hostility, and belligerence by many of her neighbors.
  It reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have 
existed between the United States and Israel for a half a century and 
which have been significant and beneficial to both of our countries.
  Of course, it finally extends our warmest congratulations and best 
wishes for the State of Israel and for her people for a future of 
peace, prosperity, and success.
  Mr. Speaker, yesterday on the White House lawn, in a magnificent 
ceremony, President Clinton was awarded an honorary doctorate from 
Israel's leading university, the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
  During the course of his acceptance speech, among others, the 
President had these ideas to share with us: I accept this honor today, 
he said, on behalf of my predecessors, beginning with Harry Truman, 
nine American Presidents all devoted to Israel's security and freedom, 
all committed to peace in the Middle East. I accept it on behalf of the 
American people who have formed, not just an alliance, but a profound 
friendship with the people of Israel over these last 50 years.
  Today we celebrate those extraordinary 50 years. In 1948, Israel 
arose from the seeds of the Diaspora and the ashes of the Holocaust. 
The children of Abraham and Sarah, survivors of 2,000 years of exile 
and persecution, were home at last and free at last.
  For its founders, the Israeli State was, however, about even more 
than securing a haven for the Jewish people after centuries of 
suffering and wandering. Isaiah prophesied that Israel would become a 
light unto the nations, and David Ben-Gurion, the first President of 
this new nation, and his allies set out to make that prophesy come true 
by establishing a society of light, embracing what Ben-Gurion called 
the higher virtues of truth and justice and compassion.
  Ben-Gurion, Mr. Speaker, believed Israel could lead the world to a 
better future by marrying the ethical leadership of the ancients with 
the discoveries of modern science. I quote him: ``It is only by the 
integration of the two that the blessings of both can flourish.'' Of 
course, he also envisioned a third great achievement for Israel that, 
with the strength and wisdom and skill, Israel would build a lasting 
peace with its Arab neighbors.
  Relations between our two nations were born of another leader's 
courage and vision. Harry Truman brushed aside the urgings of his 
advisors, as he so often did, when they said, go slow, wait and see 
before offering Israel its recognition.
  For Harry Truman, supporting the State of Israel was a moral 
imperative rooted in his understanding of the sufferings and the dreams 
of Jews from Biblical times. As we learned yesterday on the White House 
lawn, our recognition of Israel occurred just 11 minutes after Israel 
proclaimed its independence. We, in becoming the first nation to 
recognize Israel, had one of our proudest moments.
  Not only that, Mr. Speaker, but 50 years later, old Harry Truman 
looks pretty smart. Look what Israel has done. Under a brilliant blue 
sky, the Israelis have built prosperous farms, planted forests, turned 
streets of sand into shining boulevards, raised families and welcomed 
the arrival of brothers and sisters from Europe and North Africa, from 
Russia and Ethiopia, from all over the world. They have dazzled the 
world with their achievements in science and scholarship and literature 
and art. They have built a thriving democracy.
  Despite the passage of 50 years, Israelis seem to practice their 
freedom as if they had only just gained it yesterday. They never seem 
to cease challenging themselves about their history, their relationship 
with their neighbors, the hard choices for the future.
  If anyone ever wonders whether there is ever a place in the world 
where you can have freedom and honest vigorous 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-
week, 365-day-a-year argument, go to Israel.
  It is truly one of the most pulsating, vibrant places on the face of 
this planet. Alive with thousands of sounds, prayers in dozens of 
languages in the Old City; young people gathered on the avenues of Tel 
Aviv, computer keyboards tapping; new ventures launched on the 
Internet; school children now conversing in Hebrew, once the language 
only of the sacred text, now the voice of an Israeli renaissance.
  The economy that has been propelled by all this energy and activity 
into being one of the most advanced and diversified in the world last 
year exported $32 billion worth of goods, 1,000 times their level of 50 
years ago.
  High-tech companies and high-tech people. You go to Israel, it looks 
as if you cannot be a citizen of Israel unless you have a cell phone 
glued to your hand.
  Israelis have gone a very long way of fulfilling the first two pieces 
of Ben-Gurion's mission. Surely they have built an ethical, democratic 
society, a society which is based on modern science and technology. It 
has endured against unspeakable odds by prevailing again and again in 
battle. The valor of its soldiers and military and political leaders 
are legendary.
  But the battle for the third piece of Ben-Gurion's vision, a just and 
secure and lasting peace, is still being waged and still in blood and 
tears. Camp David brought peace between Israel and Egypt, but it cost 
Anwar Sadat his life.
  On the White House lawn, on a brilliant day in September of 1993, 
Yitzhak Rabin committed himself not only to an agreement with the 
Palestinians, but to a comprehensive peace in the Middle East. And how 
bravely he pursued it, but it cost him his life.
  Jews and Arabs who have wanted nothing more than to live quiet, 
normal lives are still denied that simple pleasure. Still, Mr. Speaker, 
as the new century dawns, the world is filled with the promise and hope 
that we can overcome ancient hatreds to build a modern peace for our 
children.
  From Guatemala to Mozambique and to Bosnia, and now even to Ireland, 
longtime antagonists have left the battle ground to find common ground. 
They are weary of war. They long for peace for their children and for 
their grandchildren. They move beyond hatred to hope.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a time for reconciliation around our globe. It 
must be a time to deepen freedom and to raise up life in the Middle 
East. The 21st century can and must be a century of democracy, 
prosperity, justice, and most of all of peace; but it can only be a 
century of peace if we learn not only to respect, but to honor our 
differences. It is in that spirit that I ask my colleagues to join me 
in approving this resolution, commending the State of Israel on its 
50th anniversary.
  Mr. Speaker, I include the following for the record:

   Remarks by The President at Reception for The 50th Anniversary of 
                                 Israel

       The President. Thank you very much. Mr. President, 
     Director, all the officials of Hebrew University. Mr. Vice 
     President, members of the Cabinet, the administration, 
     members of the Congress. I'd like to especially thank Dr. 
     Dunn, Dr. Nyang, Dr. Schorsch, and Richard Dreyfuss and Linda 
     Lavin for their wonderful contributions to this day. To 
     Ambassador and Mrs. Ben-Elissar, thank you for being here. To 
     all of our former ambassadors to the United States and other 
     distinguished guests from Israel, and my fellow Americans.
       I'd also like to ask that we give a special word of 
     appreciation to the people who provided all that wonderful 
     music which got us in the right frame of mind. Thank you very 
     much. (Applause.) If you could hang around here for a month 
     or two, I think we might get some things done--you'd keep us 
     all in a very positive frame of mind.
       I am very honored to receive this degree from Hebrew 
     University of Jerusalem--honored because its founders include 
     Chaim Weizmann, Martin Buber, Sigmund Freud and Albert 
     Einstein; honored because it is now one of the world's 
     leading centers of learning and research.
       I must say, I never expected to be doing this here. Many 
     American universities have satellite campuses where working 
     people like me can obtain degrees at locations near their 
     homes and offices. (Laughter.) This is more than I ever could 
     have anticipated. (Laughter.)
       President Magidor, thank you for bringing this ceremony 
     here so that those of us who cannot go to Israel in a couple 
     of days may share in the celebration of this magnificent 50th 
     birthday.
       I accept this honor today on behalf of my predecessors, 
     beginning with Harry Truman--nine American Presidents all 
     devoted to Israel's security and freedom, all committed to 
     peace in the Middle East. I accept it on behalf of the 
     American people who have formed not just an alliance, but a 
     profound friendship with the people of Israel over these last 
     50 years.
       Today we celebrate that extraordinary 50 years. In 1948, 
     Israel arose from the seeds of the Diaspora and the ashes of 
     the Holocaust. The children of Abraham and Sara, survivors

[[Page H2365]]

     of 2,000 years of exile and persecution, were home at last 
     and free at last. For its founders, the Israeli state was, 
     however, about even more than securing a haven for the Jewish 
     people after centuries of suffering and wandering. Isaiah 
     prophesied that Israel would become ``a light unto the 
     nations,'' and David Ben-Gurion and his allies set out to 
     make that prophecy come true by establishing a society of 
     light, embracing what Ben-Gurion called the higher virtues of 
     truth, justice, and compassion.
       Ben-Gurion believed Israel could lead the world to a better 
     future by marrying the ethical teachings of the ancients with 
     the discoveries of modern science. ``It is only by the 
     integration of the two,'' he wrote, ``that the blessings of 
     both can flourish.'' Of course, he also envisioned a third 
     great achievement for Israel that, with strength and wisdom 
     and skill, Israel would build a lasting peace with its Arab 
     neighbors.
       As we have heard today, relations between our two nations 
     were born of another leader's courage and vision. Harry 
     Truman brushed aside the urgings of his advisors, as he often 
     did, when they said go slow, wait and see, before offering 
     Israel recognition. For him, supporting a Jewish homeland was 
     a moral imperative rooted in his understanding of the 
     sufferings and dreams of the Jews from biblical times. And as 
     we learned from Richard's wonderful reading, it occurred just 
     11 minutes after Israel proclaimed independence. We, in 
     becoming the first country to recognize Israel, had one of 
     our proudest moments. (Applause.)
       Not only that, 50 years later, old Harry Truman looks 
     pretty smart. (Laughter.)
       Look what Israel has done. Under a brilliant blue sky, the 
     Israelis have built prosperous farms and kibitzes, planted 
     forests, turned streets of sand into shining boulevards, 
     raised families and welcomed the arrival of brothers and 
     sisters from Europe and North Africa, from Russia and 
     Ethiopia, and America. Israelis have dazzled the world with 
     achievements in science and scholarship, in literature and 
     the art. They have built a thriving democracy.
       And despite the passage of 50 years, Israelis seem to love 
     and practice their freedom as if they had only just gained 
     it. They never seem to cease challenging themselves about 
     their history, their relationship with their neighbors, 
     the hard choices for the future. If anyone ever wonders 
     whether there is ever a place in the world where you can 
     have freedom and honest, vigorous, 24-hour-a-day, seven-
     day-a-week, 365-day-a-year argument, go to Israel. 
     (Laughter and Applause.)
       It is truly one of the most pulsating, vibrant places on 
     Earth--alive with thousands of sounds, prayers in dozens of 
     languages in the Old City; young people gathered on the 
     avenues of Tel Aviv, computer keyboards tapping; new ventures 
     launched on the Internet; school children now conversing in 
     Hebrew, once the language only of sacred text now the voice 
     of an Israeli renaissance. And the economy has been propelled 
     by all this energy and activity into being one of the most 
     advanced and diversified in the world--per capita income now 
     matching nations in Europe; exports last year were $32 
     billion dollars, 1,000 times their level in 1948.
       Hi-tech companies, hi-tech people. You go to Israel, it 
     looks as if you can't be a citizen of Israel unless you have 
     a cell phone glued to your hand. (Laughter.) Yes, Israelis 
     have gone a very long way toward fulfilling the first two 
     pieces of Ben-Gurion's vision. Surely they have built an 
     ethical, democratic society, and a modern science and 
     technology-based economy. It has endured against great odds 
     by prevailing again and again in battle. The valor of citizen 
     soldiers and military and political leaders like Golda Meir, 
     Moshe Dayan, Yonnie Netanyahu.
       But the battle for the third piece of Ben-Gurion's vision--
     a just, secure and lasting peace--is still being waged and 
     still in blood and tears. Camp David brought piece between 
     Israel and Egypt, but it cost Anwar Sadat his life. Here on 
     this very spot, on a brilliant day in September of 1993, 
     Yitzhak Rabin committed himself not only to an agreement with 
     Mr. Arafat, but to a comprehensive peace in the Middle East. 
     How bravely he pursued it. But it cost him his life.
       Jews and Arabs who have wanted nothing more than to live 
     quiet, normal lives are still denied that simple pleasure. 
     Still as the new century dawns, the world is filled with the 
     promise and hope that we can overcome ancient hatreds to 
     build a modern peace for our children.
       From Guatemala to Mozambique to Bosnia, and now even to the 
     land of my ancestors in Ireland, longtime antagonists have 
     left the battleground to find common ground. They are weary 
     of war. They long for peace for their children. They move 
     beyond hatred to hope.
       This is a time for reconciliation around the world. It must 
     be a time to deepen freedom and raise up life in the Middle 
     East. The 21st century can and must be a century of 
     democracy, prosperity and justice, and of course, of peace. 
     But it can be only if we learn not only to respect, but to 
     honor our differences. The Middle East can build on the 
     momentous achievements of its Nobel Prize winners--Begin and 
     Sadat, Arafat, Peres and Rabin--so that all its children may 
     grow up without fear.
       In a land holy to three great religions, sacred sites for 
     Islam, Judaism and Christianity exist side by side. If there 
     is so much history there, the children of all that history 
     should be able to live together.
       Again and again, extremists have sought to derail peace 
     with bullets and bombs. Again and again, they demonstrate the 
     real divisions today are not between Jews and Arabs, but 
     between those stuck in the past and those who long for a 
     better future; between those paralyzed by hatred and those 
     energized by hope; those who stand with clenched fists and 
     those who reach out with open hands. We cannot let the 
     extremists prevail. Israel can fulfill its full promise by 
     drawing on the courage and vision of its founders to achieve 
     peace with security. Never has the opportunity been more real 
     and it must not be lost.
       You know, I was sitting here on the stage today listening 
     to everything that was said and thinking of all the great 
     gifts that Israel has given the United States. In 1963, 35 
     years ago this year, when Israel was still a young nation and 
     President Kennedy was killed, your then-United Nations 
     Ambassador, Mr. Eban, gave an enormous gift to the American 
     people in all of our pain by putting in one short, terse 
     sentence how we all felt when he said, tragedy is the 
     difference between what is and what might have been. As we 
     look ahead to tomorrow, let us define triumph by turning his 
     formula on its head. Triumph is when there is no difference 
     between what might have been and what (Applause.)
       Let us in the United States say that we will stand by 
     Israel, always foursquare for its security, always together 
     in friendship, but we want this debate to continue until 
     there is no difference between what might have been and what 
     is. (Applause.)
       We look at Hebrew University and see all three pieces of 
     David Ben-Gurion's dream coming to life. We see biologists 
     developing techniques to locate a single cancer cell among 
     millions of healthy ones. We see the moral commitment to 
     keeping people's health among the scientists there. We see 
     Hebrew University researchers undertaking efforts in 
     cooperation with Palestinian researchers in East Jerusalem. 
     One of the participants in the project said, it's science and 
     peace together. We know that much more is possible. We must 
     understand that much more is essential.
       Fifty years from now the 21st century will near its 
     midpoint and Israel will have a 100th birthday celebration. 
     Sure as the world, our grandchildren will be hanging around 
     here on this lawn. What do you think they'll be able to say? 
     And what will they be celebrating? It is my dream that on 
     that 100th anniversary, people from every country in the 
     Middle East will gather in the Holy Land, and all the land 
     will be holy to all of them.
       As a Christian, I do not know how God, if He were to come 
     to Earth, would divide the land over which there is dispute 
     now. I suspect neither does anyone else in this audience. But 
     I know that if we all pray for the wisdom to do God's will, 
     chances are we will find a way to close the gap in the next 
     couple of years between what might be and what is. I think 
     that is what we owe the founders of Israel--to finish Ben-
     Gurion's dream.
       Thank you and God bless you all. (Applause.)
                                  ____


  Remarks by Vice President Al Gore--50th Anniversary Celebration for 
                                 Israel

       Thank you all so very much for those profound and moving 
     words.
       It is a privilege to be here with you today. A half century 
     ago, on a morning bursting with the promise of spring, a 
     small group of rabbis and statesmen, workers and kibbutzim, 
     dreamers, soldiers and survivors gathered at the Tel Aviv 
     Museum, under a portrait of Theodore Herzl--and listened as 
     the wise and brave David Ben-Gurion read the Scroll of 
     Independence: ``By virtue of our national and intrinsic 
     right,'' he said, ``we hereby declare the establishment of a 
     Jewish state in Palestine, which shall be known as the State 
     of Israel.''
       Thus--quietly and triumphantly--a sovereign Israel at last 
     had been born in the promised land. And only eleven minutes 
     later, a daring Harry S Truman became the very first among 
     world leaders to recognize the newly-proclaimed Jewish state.
       Today we gather as one nation to give thanks for the 
     fiftieth anniversary of this remarkable moment of hope and 
     history.
       But in a larger sense, we gather today not just to 
     celebrate Israel's independence--but to give thanks for the 
     miracle of her survival; for the history of Israel and the 
     Jewish people is the story of the redemption and freedom of 
     all oppressed peoples everywhere.
       For more than four millenia, Judaism has struggled over 
     four continents and six civilizations. After enslavement by 
     the Pharaohs, wandering in Canaan, destruction in Judah, 
     captivity in Babylon; after the strife of the Maccabeans, 
     oppression by the Romans; as children of the ghetto in the 
     Middle ages, as victims of the camps, Judaism has survived. 
     And--my friends--Israel survives.
       It survives because of the ingenuity and foresight of men 
     and women with names like David Ben-Gurion and Chaim Weizmann 
     and Golda Meir; Shimon Peres, Yitzhak and Leah Rabin, and 
     Yonni and Bibi Netanyahu.
       It survives and is nurtured every day by the morality of 
     the Torah, the social justice of the Prophets, and the 
     eternal Jewish values of family and faith.
       It survives not as an artifact or a monument. No; Israel is 
     vital, and is constantly renewed by its diversity, and its 
     creativity.
       Israel has proven to be far more than the land of ``milk 
     and honey'', it is a land of poetry and culture and learning 
     and life, of

[[Page H2366]]

     technology and science and commerce, of productivity and 
     prosperity unrivaled virtually anywhere in the world.
       We gather here today not only to celebrate these 
     achievements, but also to proclaim for all to hear that the 
     dream of an Israel free, secure, and at peace, in a world 
     where the echoes of anti-Semitism are heard no more, will be 
     a reality for all time.
       I want you to know that Israel never has had a better 
     friend in the White House than President Bill Clinton.
       That is what Israel's leaders will tell you, and that is 
     what the historians and the history books will tell in the 
     future as well.
       Our friendship with Israel is not merely with one or 
     another of its political parties. Our ties are deeper: they 
     are forged by an iron-clad commitment to Israel's security 
     and well-being, to combating terrorism, to stopping the 
     spread of weapons of mass destruction; and to achieving a 
     just, lasting, and comprehensive peace between Israelis and 
     Palestinians, Egyptians, Jordanians, Syrians, and Lebanese 
     and all who live in this holy land.
       In two days, Tipper and I will travel to Israel to 
     represent the American people at the celebration of Israel's 
     50th anniversary of independence. This is a great honor. I 
     know we will carry the yearnings of millions of Americans for 
     peace in the promised land; for a new season of joy, and a 
     new jubilee of hope.
       There is a wonderful song of Israel which is called al kol 
     eileh--For all these things. Let me share with you some of 
     its lyrics:

     For all these things, please watch over for me my good God;
     Please don't uproot that which is planted.
     Don't forget the hope
     Bring me back, and I shall return
     to the good land. El ha'a-retz hatovah.

       As we prepare to begin our own special journey to the good 
     land, may we never forget the hope that God who makes peace 
     in the heavens will grant peace here on Earth, among us, on 
     Israel and upon all the inhabitants of the world.
       Thank you very much.

  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield whatever time he may 
consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier).
  Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my very dear friend, the gentleman 
from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman of the Committee on 
International Relations for yielding me this time.
  Mr. Speaker, I would simply like to rise to echo the remarks of my 
very dear colleague the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) in 
extending a very important 50th anniversary congratulations.
  When one thinks about this alliance which has begun since the outset 
of the existence of the State of Israel, it is a very key one. When one 
thinks about the sacrifices that have been made on part of the Israeli 
people for interests that are, quite frankly, in many cases, those of 
the United States of America, I think it is very fitting and 
appropriate that we, as a Nation, mark this very, very important 
milestone.
  I would simply like to express my appreciation to my colleagues for 
moving ahead with this resolution and extend the hardiest 
congratulations possible.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to my 
distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Vento).
  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for 
yielding and commend the gentleman from California for his profound 
statement this afternoon in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the 
establishment of the modern State of Israel.
  While I failed to and have not heard the statement from others this 
afternoon, I know that the distinguished chairman has a statement, but 
I would certainly associate myself with the profound remarks that the 
gentleman from California and I know my colleague, the gentleman from 
New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman of the committee, will make.
  I simply want to rise and support this resolution. As we have said 
that the founding of the modern State, of course, is predicated on the 
fact that, for 2,000 years, without a physical presence and a 
nationalism which has come to characterize nation states today, the 
faith of the people of Israel persisted to such an extent that it has 
had a positive contribution in so many nations around the world.

                              {time}  1600

  I doubt that one could find a religious group that has upheld their 
values, and I would say those values have woven their way into what we 
characterize as Judeo-Christian tradition.
  And so the celebration today is really one of recognizing the 
importance of the individual, the very old but I might say contemporary 
values that have served our Nation and served the people, mankind, that 
are so well embraced in the Jewish faith. And it is indeed a 
celebration to recognize that in this world today that this threat of 
human history, this continuity has been embraced in terms of a nation 
state.
  Israel, really, as my colleague has said, is a jewel of economic and 
social success in North Africa; one that I think on occasions has had 
to rise to the defense of and deal with in other ways to persist in 
advocating those values but, nevertheless, one that has served mankind 
very well.
  So I am very proud to recognize, as an old faith with a modern face, 
as my friend said, with a blue sky and the white, great hope that is 
engendered by this, and especially the positive prospects for the new 
century. It has not been an easy birth, it has not been an easy life 
for this nationalism in that part of the world, but I think that with 
the policies and working together in Congress and with the strong ally 
of the United States and maintaining those goals, we can ensure that 
this Nation and this faith and these people and these values are 
something that we share in common and we can guarantee and assure it 
into the future with our solidarity.
  I commend my colleagues for offering the resolution and join in 
strong support of it and urge all to support it.
  I rise today to honor the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment 
of the modern State of Israel. Founded in the aftermath of the 
Holocaust, in which over one-third of the world's Jewish population 
lost their lives, Israel was established as a homeland for Jews from 
around the world. A permanent refuge free from oppression and 
persecution which had persisted for over 2000 years. In 1948, the 
creation of the free independent state finally rendered a new hope for 
people of the Jewish faith. Despite the land, the elements and the many 
adversaries who have done their utmost to extirpate it, Israel has 
flourished and developed into a dynamic democracy. Today, Israel is a 
social and economic jewel that persists in offering hope.
  No history or culture has been so well documented or remembered as 
that of the Jewish people. Israeli culture, religious and national 
identity were formed in the Holy land of Israel. Its vision and faith 
has been maintained unbroken through the centuries, especially after 
the majority of Jews were forced into exile. With the establishment of 
the State of Israel in 1948, Jewish independence, lost two thousand 
years earlier, was renewed. The events fifty years ago have breathed 
new life into this age old faith. The physical presence in national 
terms has been born anew.
  Israel has been America's most loyal and devoted ally today. This is 
evident in American values which exemplify our ideals socially, 
economically and militarily that safe-guard these guarantees to all 
peoples. As our Cold War partner, Israel stood firmly in perpetual 
support for America's global commitment to freedom and democracy. As an 
example, during the Persian Gulf War, Israel joined the American-led 
coalition in its action against Iraq. Israel was very tolerant and 
withstood Iraqi Scud missile attacks as a result. Today, Israel 
continues to extend its hand in friendship to the United States and the 
American people.
  This anniversary illustrates fifty years of freedom and democracy for 
the Israeli people. In honor of the special relationship the United 
States and Israel have maintained based on mutually shared democratic 
values, common strategic interests, moral bonds of friendship and 
mutual respect, I extend the warmest congratulations and best wishes to 
the State of Israel and her people for a peaceful and prosperous and 
successful future.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Foley).
  Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from New York 
(Mr. Gilman) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for 
bringing this resolution to the floor today. I am deeply pleased to be 
an original cosponsor of it.
  As policymakers and politicians, we often talk about how Israel is 
our most important ally in the Middle East, a cherished friend and a 
democratic society that we must continue to support for the sake of 
stability and peace. And that is indeed true. But, as a person, I also 
know that the State of Israel, which is so physically tiny, appears so 
very large because of its history and its heart and the heart of its 
people.
  Israel has been both a battlefield and a sanctuary, and this year we 
celebrate

[[Page H2367]]

its 50th anniversary as a state. I know that it became that state 
because of the incredible courage and determination of a people who had 
faced more evil than a thousand generations could conceive and have 
survived to reflect both dignity and strength.
  I join my colleagues today in this strong celebration and 
congratulations, recognizing the historic significance of the 50th 
anniversary of the reestablishment of the sovereign and independent 
modern State of Israel.
  We commend the people of Israel for their remarkable achievement in 
building a new state and pluralistic democratic society in the Middle 
East in the face of terrorism, hostility and belligerence by many of 
her neighbors; and we strongly today reaffirm the bonds of friendship 
and cooperation which have existed between the United States and 
Israel. I think of all of the things that America has suffered and has 
witnessed and has been a part of in our history, the friendship with 
Israel remains our strongest and most formidable.
  It is more important than ever for this Congress not only to support 
this resolution on its 50th anniversary but through the commitment of 
the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) and the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lantos) that we go about securing this celebration each 
and every day we are here in this Congress; that we let everyone know, 
friend and foe alike, that we will always stand side-by-side with 
Israel; that we will not back down from a challenge and that we will 
indeed protect and defend them at all possible costs. They would do the 
same for us and have shown that determination for our abilities in the 
past.
  Again, I just want to strongly echo my support and my sentiments and 
my pride in our chairman of the committee on H.J. Resolution 102, the 
50th Anniversary of the State of Israel.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my distinguished friend 
and colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bentsen).
  Mr. BENTSEN. I thank my colleague from California for yielding me 
this time; and, Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the 
modern State of Israel and join my colleagues in congratulating the 
people of Israel for their impressive achievements in these 50 years.
  This is also an appropriate opportunity to reaffirm the unique bond 
between the United States and Israel, a bond forged of our common 
commitment to freedom, justice and peace, and strengthened by the many 
links between our peoples.
  So much has happened since May 14, 1948, when the State of Israel was 
reestablished following a vote by the United Nations General Assembly 
to petition the British mandate of Palestine. On that day, the State of 
Israel was formally proclaimed, and the United States extended 
diplomatic recognition to the new state. This day also marked an 
historic return to the Jewish people, who had established their 
homeland more than 3,000 years before in the historic kingdom of Israel 
in the City of Jerusalem.
  In 50 years, Israel has developed a vibrant and dynamic society and 
established a strong economic cultural identity, despite the heavy 
tolls imposed by six wars, countless terrorist attacks and the 
hostility of its neighbors. Because of the perseverance, ingenuity, and 
faith of its people, Israel has overcome the most daunting of 
challenges and become one of the world's great nations.
  Mr. Speaker, few nations could prosper and grow while under siege, on 
a state of alert and under attack, as Israel has had to do over the 
last 50 years. For 50 years, the United States Congress has extended 
bonds of friendship and cooperation to Israel. It is more important 
than ever that we continue to support Israel economically and 
militarily today as it makes the difficult decisions needed to secure a 
lasting peace.
  The future will surely bring many new challenges, including the 
continued threat of terrorism and the added danger imposed by weapons 
of mass destruction. So it is critical the United States and Israel 
maintain our unshakeable alliance to further our many mutual interests. 
May the next 50 years bring continued prosperity, ever stronger 
friendship between our two nations, and a lasting peace for Israel and 
all the nations of the Middle East.
  I join my colleagues in congratulating the State of Israel and its 
people on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that an additional 
30 minutes be made available, to be equally divided between the 
majority and the minority, for the debate of H.J. Res. 102, since large 
numbers of our colleagues wish to speak on this subject.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Barrett of Nebraska). Is there objection 
to the request of the gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The 30 additional minutes is assigned 15 
minutes to each side.
  The gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) is recognized.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Connecticut (Ms. Rosa DeLauro), my good friend and colleague and a 
strong friend of Israel.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, let me congratulate my colleagues, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and the gentleman from New York 
(Mr. Gilman); and I thank the gentleman from California for yielding me 
this time.
  I rise in strong support of the joint resolution congratulating 
Israel on the 50th anniversary of its founding. Today, we mark one of 
the monumental achievements of the 20th century, the birth of Israel.
  In 1948, as the Jewish community and the world was trying to come to 
terms with the awful brutality of the holocaust, a miraculous thing 
occurred: The very people who had been victims of the most vicious 
genocide the world has ever known emerged strengthened and hopeful. And 
the Jewish people forged that enduring strength and hope into a mission 
to build a new homeland, Israel.
  The war had devastated the Jewish community of Europe, but in Israel 
there was a new determination to build a new community, a new nation 
and a secure future. The founders of Israel understood that only by 
uniting in a common land, with a common language, a common culture 
could the Jewish people and their heritage survive.
  Israel was dedicated not only to physical survival but the survival 
of the Jewish religious traditions, ethnic customs and history. 
Israel's 50th anniversary is a reminder of the courage and strength of 
the human spirit and what it can accomplish. Against all odds and 
enemies, the people of Israel have united to build a strong nation. It 
has not been an easy journey, but it has been a triumphant one.
  Americans have had the honor over the past five decades to help the 
brave men and women of Israel in their fight to make their dream a 
reality, and today we unite with them in the effort to bring peace to 
the region.
  Congratulations to the people of Israel. May you continue to serve as 
examples of courage, vigilance and dedication to the world.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Rothman).
  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to first congratulate and thank my 
friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Tom Lantos), and the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Ben Gilman), two leaders in this Congress 
who we look to on regular occasions for their inspiration as well as 
their wisdom.
  We are here to honor a nation of hard-working people, a country that 
is a thriving democracy of freedom and human rights, a land that has 
contributed to the world's economy and a sense of moral well-being, yet 
a state that, on its 50th birthday, still has to fight its neighbors 
for respect and, yes, for its right to exist.
  Israel was founded after World War II, not by war, not by force, but 
by the United Nations. The Jewish people's ties to the region goes back 
more than 3,000 years. Every major country in the world supported 
Israel's creation, just like they supported the creation of other 
countries, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia, all of which 
nations were created after World War I. The only difference between 
Israel and these other countries, none of which existed before the 20th 
century, is this:

[[Page H2368]]

 Israel is the only western-style democracy in the Middle East, and it 
is the only nonIslamic state.
  The vast majority of these other states are still ruled by 
bloodthirsty dictators, like Saddam Hussein of Iraq and Hafez Al-Assad 
of Syria and the supreme leader Khamenei of Iran, and they are also 
ruled by monarchies, like the tightly controlled monarchy of Saudi 
Arabia. Yet Israel has thrived despite being surrounded by countries 
still determined to drive them into the sea.
  But she is not a war-torn nation, like the media tries to depict. 
Israel is a beautiful, safe place, a vacation destination for 
Americans, Europeans, Asians and Africans alike. She peacefully keeps 
the Christian, Muslim and Jewish holy sites safe and secure for all 
visitors from around the globe.
  But Israel's 50th anniversary means more than the celebration of its 
people, its democratic roots, its determination and its ability to 
survive in a hostile environment. It means Israel should be respected 
as one nation in the family of nations, especially by the organization 
that created it, the United Nations.
  Israel is America's strongest, most trusted and most reliable ally in 
the Middle East. At the United Nations, Israel votes with the United 
States 97 percent of the time, more than any other country in the 
world. It is time for the United Nations to treat Israel as an equal 
and not to vote against Israel when it takes measures to protect itself 
and her citizens from her hostile neighbors.
  Israel has earned the world's respect the hard way, making the desert 
bloom with agriculture, high technology, art, culture and, above all 
else, democracy. America wishes Israel a very happy 50th birthday, and 
we want Israel to know that America stands with Israel, our greatest, 
most trusted ally in the Middle East, now and forever.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega), my good friend who has been a 
steadfast friend and supporter of the independence and security of the 
State of Israel.
  (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
his remarks.)
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of 
House Joint Resolution 102, the legislation which expresses the sense 
of the Congress on the 50th anniversary of Israel's founding and 
reaffirmation of the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the 
United States and the modern State of Israel.

                              {time}  1615

  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to be a cosponsor of this legislation, and 
I thank our distinguished colleague the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Lantos) for introducing this worthy measure. I also commend the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), chairman of the House Committee 
on International Relations, and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. 
Hamilton), the ranking member, for his support and for bringing this 
legislation to the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, on May 14, 1948, the modern State of Israel was founded 
when Israel declared independence and was extended diplomatic 
recognition by the United States. Today, our legislation honors the 
50th anniversary of the reestablishment of the sovereign and 
independent modern State of Israel and commends the leaders and people 
of Israel for their remarkable achievements in building a thriving 
democracy in the Middle East while being threatened constantly with 
terrorism and war.
  Mr. Speaker, the legislation further reaffirms the strong ties of 
friendship and cooperation that have traditionally bound the people of 
Israel with the insurance over the past century and extends from 
Congress our warmest congratulations and best wishes to the State of 
Israel and her people for peace and prosperity in the future.
  Mr. Speaker, the existence of the modern State of Israel is the 
culmination of a 3,000-year journey from the kingdom of Israel 
established in old Jerusalem. Today, Israel is America's closest ally 
in the Middle East, and the people of our two nations share a special 
relationship based upon democratic values, common strategic interests, 
and bonds of cooperation and mutual respect.
  Mr. Speaker, it was my privilege recently to travel with the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) and other Members of this body to 
visit Israel and to especially pay homage to the great site of the late 
Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin; and I recalled how this great modern-day 
warrior, Mr. Rabin, who seriously and who earnestly sought a solution 
to the crisis between the Israelis and the Palestinians, a man who 
truly was a peacemaker, a man who wanted so much to have a lasting 
peace with his blood cousins, the Palestinians, a man who recognized 
that Arabs and Israelis are, in fact, first cousins under Father 
Abraham.
  And I sincerely hope that the current leadership, Prime Minister 
Netanyahu of Israel and President Arafat of Palestine, will eventually 
find the solution for peace to the never-ending problems between 
Israelis and Palestinians in the Middle East.
  Mr. Speaker, the late Prime Minister Rabin's greatness, in my humble 
opinion, did not originate in the field of battle, but in his sincere 
desires to establish peace between Israel and among its Arab neighbors. 
Mr. Speaker, Americans with Jewish descent should have every reason to 
be proud and to witness the existence on the 50th anniversary of the 
modern State of Israel.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I would like to make a few observations 
concerning this anniversary. I suspect the most important thing we need 
to congratulate Israel on is that it survived. It survived in an 
atmosphere and in a climate of unrelenting hostility. We need to 
congratulate this small land for having remained democratic. We must 
commend it for having successfully concluded peace agreements with 
Egypt in 1979 and with Jordan in 1994. We must commend it for having 
withstood terrorist assaults that continue to this very day.
  In calendar 1997, 463 terrorist attacks were launched against Israel, 
and an additional 100 were foiled. Iraq, during the Persian Gulf War, 
lobbed ballistic missiles on the largest city in Israel. I was there.
  Just earlier this year, Mr. Speaker, Israeli citizens, men, women and 
children, were queueing up for gas masks when the climate in the 
Persian Gulf indicated that they might again be subjected to Iraqi 
attacks. They were buying antidotes for anthrax.
  I think it is important to recognize that if this small land of great 
history and great future is to celebrate its 100th birthday 50 years 
from now, it and it alone will need to determine its basic perimeters 
of its own security requirements. We can play a critical role, and must 
play a critical role, in mediating, lubricating, facilitating. But just 
as any other nation on the face of this planet, it is only the people 
of Israel who, in the final analysis, can determine what are the 
minimum requirements for their own security. It is in that spirit that 
I ask my colleagues to approve this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) once again 
for introducing the measure, for his kind words, for his strong, 
eloquent support of this measure. I want to thank all of the Members 
who came to the floor and took the time to express their thoughts with 
regard to this measure. I thank all of those who participated in 
today's debate.
  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for 
the resolution honoring Israel on the occasion of the fiftieth 
anniversary of its independence. From ancient prayers to modern dreams, 
the State of Israel has blossomed into a strong, thriving democracy and 
a steady ally of the United States. We have witnessed two solutions to 
the so-called Jewish Problem this century. One was evil and named the 
Final Solution. Seeking to destroy the Jewish people, the Nazis 
murdered 6 million Jews and millions of other innocents. The other 
solution, which we join together to honor today, was one of hope and 
promise--the return of the Jewish people to their ancestral home in the 
land of Israel. That dream remains alive.
  Israel has overcome the most daunting obstacles in its quest to 
create a haven from persecution and the world's only Jewish state. 
After 2,000 years of Jewish wandering and exile, the modern state of 
Israel was born on

[[Page H2369]]

May 14, 1998, only to face the onslaught of its neighbors and constant 
threat of destruction. Against all odds, Israel defended itself and 
began to plant the seeds for its future. Following the war of 
independence, Israel has time and again fought for its very existence. 
Even today, the threat of war and the promise of terrorism weigh 
heavily on Israel.
  While many of the threats and anti-Israel rhetoric of 50 years ago 
unfortunately remains the same today, much has changed for the better. 
Egypt and Jordan have signed peace agreements with Israel, and the 
Palestinian Arabs and Israel have begun a formal, if not shaky, process 
toward peace. In the name of peace, Israel has ceded valuable territory 
to those who vowed its destruction.
  Israel has created a thriving economy, a free press, regular free and 
open elections, the rule of law, and other firmly established 
democratic institutions. The once-barren hillsides now are green with 
trees and the fields again are plowed for the growth of food. Israel 
has successfully fulfilled the dreams of thousands of immigrants who 
fled tyranny and poverty and stands as a model for the absorption of 
the outcast and homeless. High literacy and educational achievement 
have produced an extraordinarily capable and creative workforce which 
boasts achievements in agriculture, medical research, emerging 
technologies and many other fields. Israel stands as a significant 
trading partner of my home State of Texas.
  I salute the people of Israel on this anniversary. May your future be 
one of peace and security, prosperity, and continued friendship with 
the people of the United States.
  Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of legislation 
commemorating Israel's fiftieth anniversary. The rebirth of Israel in 
this century is a modern day miracle. Jews from every continent have 
built a new nation, ancient in history, with a vibrant democracy and a 
modern economy.
  Israel represents the rebirth of a nation, a people, and the Hebrew 
language. The building of a new nation with immigrants from societies 
as diverse as Russia, Poland, Morocco, Argentina, India, and Ethiopia 
is a challenge we as Americans recognize and celebrate. The 
achievements in this regard are truly impressive. Israel has made the 
desert bloom, has an exemplary education system and a growing economy. 
It is a world leader in technology and has had an impact far larger 
than other nations of its size.
  Israel's accomplishments are particularly impressive as it has been 
living under siege for its entire history. Independence was secured in 
a bloody struggle and freedom has been defended at great cost. The 
Jewish state has faced great struggles maintaining its independence as 
the sole democracy in a hostile corner of the world.
  America and Israel have been natural friends. Most Americans admire 
Israel's commitment to democratic government while living under siege. 
I think all Americans would like to join me in wishing the Israeli 
people a future of peace and prosperity on this occasion. I am hopeful 
that the people of Israel will achieve even more once a real peace, not 
one imposed by outside powers, is reached with their neighbors.
  Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to join my colleagues in celebrating the occasion of the fiftieth 
anniversary of the founding of the modern state of Israel.
  Created in the aftermath of the Holocaust, the state of Israel has 
served as a beacon of justice, freedom, and hope to Jewish people 
around the world. Israel's deep commitment to a pluralistic democracy 
and a vibrant economic, cultural, and intellectual life has served as a 
model for many nations. And despite great adversity, Israel has been 
steadfast in its commitment to achieving peace and security in the 
region. These values have garnered the admiration and respect of 
millions around the world.
  It is these values that have also fostered the American people's 
great affinity and mutual respect for the people of Israel, and which 
have formed the core of the special bond between our two countries. 
Today the U.S.-Israel relationship remains among the strongest of any 
bilateral relationship in the world. The strength of this relationship 
is also a tribute to those U.S. citizens, many of Jewish heritage, who 
have worked tirelessly over the years to keep our Nation's leaders 
focused on the importance of this relationship.
  The United States and Israel have numerous common and deep interests, 
and together will continue to lead the international fight against the 
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, and threats to 
religious freedom. Above all, we are united in our paramount goals of 
peace, prosperity, and security for all people of the Middle East.
  I am proud to be a co-sponsor of House Joint Resolution 102, which 
reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two 
countries on Israel's fiftieth anniversary. On this occasion, I 
encourage my colleagues to seize this celebration not only as an 
opportunity to reflect on the achievements of Israel's past, but also 
to use it as a stimulus to further strengthen the U.S.-Israel 
partnership.
  Fifty years ago, within minutes of Israel's leaders declaring their 
independence, Harry Truman rejected the advice of staff and took a 
momentous step in recognizing Israel's sovereignty. From that moment, 
the United States and Israel have forged perhaps the closest 
partnership in the international community today. it is in this spirit 
of friendship and cooperation that I extend my warmest congratulations 
and best wishes to the state of Israel and her people for a peaceful, 
prosperous and successful future.
  Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House 
Joint Resolution 102, a resolution expressing the sense of the Congress 
on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the modern 
state of Israel and reaffirming the bonds of friendship and cooperation 
between the United States and Israel. I want to thank Mr. Lantos for 
introducing such a timely and appropriate resolution and giving me the 
opportunity to be an original cosponsor. I am proud to support this 
excellent bill.
  House Joint Resolution 102 recognizes the historic significance of 
this special anniversary, applauds the Israeli people for building a 
vibrant, modern democracy in the face of physical, economic, and 
political hostility, reaffirms the deep friendship between our two 
countries, and warmly congratulates the Israeli people and extends to 
them all the best for a prosperous, safe and successful future.
  Mr. Speaker, the United States and Israel share a special 
relationship. As our only true democratic friend in the region, Israel 
deserves America's strong and unyielding support. I applaud the 
unanimous passage of this resolution today and extend to the people of 
Israel my very best wishes.
  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 102, 
expressing the sense of the Congress on the occasion of the 50th 
anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel.
  I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this important resolution. I look 
forward to a unanimous vote by the House that will send a strong 
message of our country's unyielding support to the State of Israel. 
April 30th will mark the fiftieth anniversary of the birth of the State 
of Israel. Israel's extraordinary history makes this milestone 
especially significant. Despite incredible challenges and continuous 
obstacles, Israel has developed into a prosperous democracy, whose 
citizens continue to enjoy the unlimited freedoms that Israel was 
created to protect.
  The State of Israel and the well being of her people is one of the 
foreign policy issues that people in my district care about the most. 
There are so many in this country who share a common denominator of 
heritage, history and identity with the people of Israel. For many 
Jewish-Americans the fate of Israel is something to which they are 
inextricably linked.
  The United States and Israel have a unique relationship due to the 
fact that Israel is our only democratic ally in that region of the 
world. There is no better time than right now to reaffirm our 
commitment to foreign support for Israel. I believe foreign aid to 
Israel is an important way to support and promote the peace talks. I am 
concerned that without peace in the Middle East, Israel's second fifty 
years will be as tumultuous as her first half century.
  At Israel's 100th anniversary, I hope we can look back on Israel's 
second fifty years as a period of peace and prosperity where the 
challenges that face her today have long faded into history.
  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to congratulate the State of 
Israel on her 50th Anniversary. In fifty years, the people of Israel 
have endured many of the same things that our founding fathers did more 
than two hundred years ago. They have had to create a government, elect 
leaders who had come to their state from various countries around the 
world, and establish laws for their new state. Israel has had to defend 
her borders from advances first in 1948 to gain her independence within 
the Middle East, and again in the Six Day War to assert her autonomy. 
Much like the United States did in the 18th Century, Israel continues 
to define her character today.
  I know in my home state of Rhode Island, many people struggled and 
worked very hard to realize the dream of a Zionist state. Former 
Governor Frank Licht got his passion for public service by working with 
the Rhode Island Zionist Emergency Council. Upon the creation of the 
new Jewish state, Governor Licht stated:

       The proclamation officially creating the new state is a 
     milestone in the history of mankind. The 2000 year old dream 
     of the Jewish people has become a reality. Recognition by the 
     United States will go far, I hope, towards restoring peace in 
     the Holy Land . . . I am confident that the state which the 
     Jewish people set up in their own country will guarantee 
     justice, freedom, and equality for all people regardless of 
     religion, race, sex, or land of origin.

  I believe, along with my constituents, that the State of Israel will 
find a way to ease tensions both internally and externally. Israel has 
persevered in building and maintaining a democratic state in the face 
of hostility and terrorism. Perhaps in another fifty years we

[[Page H2370]]

will again gather here and commend Israel on solving these problems 
with her neighbors.
  I commend the people of Israel on their successes over the past fifty 
years, and congratulate them wholeheartedly on this milestone in their 
history.
  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 102, 
Expressing the Sense of Congress on the Occasion of the 50th 
Anniversary of the Founding of the Modern State of Israel. May 14th 
will mark the 50th anniversary of its independence. I commend the State 
of Israel which has rebuilt a nation, forged a new and dynamic society, 
and created a unique and vital economic, political, cultural and 
intellectual life. I applaud the relationship held between the United 
States and Israel. This relationship is one that is based on mutually 
shared Democratic value, common strategic interests, and moral bonds of 
friendship and mutual respect. The State of Israel has built a nation 
in the face of adversity and triumphed in assuming a prosperous 
democracy in their ancient land. The people of Israel have so much to 
be proud of, these brave people have battled through a new frontier to 
create a new and thriving world for their children.
  While I am delighted and quite proud of this fantastic milestone, I 
am also filled with promise and hope that both Israel and the 
Palestinians will one day come to a peaceful agreement allowing all of 
the people of the Middle East to grow and prosper towards another 
landmark anniversary celebration.
  Mrs. KENNELLY of Connecticut. I rise as a cosponsor of House Joint 
Resolution 102 congratulating the State of Israel on its 50th 
Anniversary and wish to offer my strong support for this resolution.
  Since declaring its independence on May 14th, 1948 the State of 
Israel has fought for its very existence and it has succeeded. In the 
years that have followed Israel has thrived, it has embraced democracy 
and has become and remains the most important ally for the United 
States in the Middle East region.
  I want to commend the people of Israel for their perseverance through 
the difficult times they have faced. They have stood up to terrorism 
and aggression and have endured. They have built a vibrant democracy, 
with a unique culture, and a diverse economy. Throughout its existence, 
Israel has remained focused on its future and on the welfare of its 
people.
  I am pleased to support this resolution which reaffirms the lasting 
bond of friendship between the United Stats and Israel which has been 
so important for both nations. Together we make our democracies 
stronger and it is together that we can work to ensure that lasting 
peace for Israel and throughout the Middle East can become a reality.
  I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to the modern state of 
Israel on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary and to urge my 
colleagues to support this important resolution.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, it is fitting as Israel approaches the 
fiftieth anniversary of its independence to commemorate this event. It 
is also fitting to recognize this historic event here in the U.S. 
Congress. The U.S. has been Israel's friend and supporter from its 
inception. On a personal level, I have been an ardent supporter of 
Israel throughout my life. I became more of a staunch supporter after I 
traveled to Israel in 1989 toward the beginning of my Congressional 
service.
  Once one has seen the many unique features of Israel and its people, 
one cannot help but be awestruck by this nation's accomplishments in 
its short 50 years. First, Israel has provided a refuge and homeland to 
hundreds of thousands of persecuted Jews from the former Soviet Union, 
Ethiopia, and many other places. In meeting with Israeli leaders and 
residents, I also was struck by their deep commitment to achieving a 
lasting peace in the region. This commitment is easily understood as 
Israeli Remembrance Day approaches: nearly every citizen has lost a 
relative or friend in the effort to protect and defend the land and its 
people. Thus, the desire and need to achieve peace for the present and 
future generations becomes even more evident.
  As a Congressman actively involved in environmental issues, I have 
been particularly impressed with the stewardship Israelis exercise over 
natural resources. Israelis learn from a young age that every drop of 
water is precious. But the pioneers worked the land and developed the 
technologies to make these precious drops of water help grow trees, 
flowers, and crops, so that the entire nation could not only survive, 
but flourish--to the point where they now export flowers and produce 
all over the world.
  And, while Israelis still bargain over prices in traditional, Middle 
Eastern-style market places, they also have developed a light 
industrial base that employs many people in high technology and 
computer-related fields. One example of the developmental progress that 
has occurred can be seen in the telephone systems. When I was last in 
Israel a decade ago, making a telephone call was difficult. Today, not 
only are phones accessible and easy to use, but cellular phones, call 
waiting services, and answering machines are prevalent.
  Moreover, Israeli's GDP has grown from $2.5 billion to an astonishing 
$90.6 billion in the past three decades. Equally important, if not more 
so, is the fact that Israel is the only pluralistic democracy in the 
region. At the same time, Jerusalem, the unique ``City of Gold,'' is 
the holy site for a number of the world's most important religions. And 
yet, this nation is smaller than my home state of New Jersey; one can 
walk across the country (East to West) in one day.
  David Ben Gurion was prophetic when, on May 15, 1948, he stated that 
``[s]omething unique occurred yesterday in Israel, and only future 
generations will be able to evaluate the full historical significance 
of the event. It is now up to all of us, acting out a sense of Jewish 
fraternity, to devote every ounce of our strength to building and 
defending the State of Israel, which still faces a titanic political 
and military struggle.''
  I hope that as we recognize the fiftieth anniversary of its creation, 
Israel will soon cease to face such struggles. Yitzhak Rabin was deeply 
committed to securing peace for Israel. For this reason, the ``Song for 
Peace'' was being sung at the rally where he last spoke, and the words 
to this song were found in his shirt pocket at the time of his 
assassination. I pray that Rabin, and the many that will have fought 
for peace both before and after him, will not have sacrificed their 
lives in vain.
  In closing, since I have seen the marvels of Israel and its people 
first-hand, and have been a strong supporter of Israeli and Jewish 
causes throughout my service in Congress, I am particularly pleased to 
be a cosponsor of this joint Congressional resolution that is being 
brought to the House floor today. The resolution recognizes the 
historic significance of the fiftieth anniversary of the 
reestablishment of the State of Israel; commends the Israeli people for 
their achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic, 
democratic society in the Middle East; reaffirms the bonds of 
friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel; and 
extends congratulations and best wishes to the State of Israel and her 
people for a peaceful, prosperous, and successful future.
  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, this May 14th, the modern state of Israel 
will celebrate its 50th birthday. In the life of an ordinary country, 
the 50 anniversary is a notable milestone of historical achievement. In 
the case of Israel, 50 years exemplifies nothing less than an enduring 
miracle.
  The Jewish people, drawn to their country by a sacred relationship 
and a divine promise, flourished in ancient times. Their history is a 
seemingly never ending succession of miracles, punctuated by the 
painful sting of suffering. A poor, enslaved people in the land of 
Egypt, the Israelites were led by God out of Egypt and into the desert 
and freedom. It was there in the barren desert that their leader, 
Moses, went up to Mt. Sinai and came down with the Torah, the word of 
God. In the midst of their escape and suffering in the barren 
wilderness, the Jewish people provided the world with the Ten 
Commandments, the foundation of all western morality.
  Back in their own country, the Jewish people ultimately realized the 
greatness that the Lord had promised. From King David, the poet 
warrior, to Solomon, the model of wisdom, the Jews gave us heroes that 
stir our hearts and souls still.
  Sadly, though, Jewish suffering was not at its end. In 722 B.C.E. the 
Assyrians vanquished ten of their twelve tribes and sent the Israelites 
into exile. Only two small groups remained, fortified only by an 
undying faith in God and a refusal to surrender to the fate their 
enemies planned for them. They refused to give up hope. They refused to 
give up their faith.
  In 586 B.C.E., this small remnant was captured. Their temple, built 
by Solomon, was destroyed. Forced into exile to Babylonia, again the 
Jewish people thrived. Without a temple, they developed houses of 
worship--the historical beginning of synagogues. Unable to offer 
sacrifices, their religious leaders developed prayers as a way to reach 
the Almighty. Forbidden to publicly worship or have priests, they 
developed a new way of thinking of religious leaders as teachers. This 
was how the title rabbi came to be.
  Miraculously returning from their exile, the Jewish people rebuilt 
their Temple in Jerusalem. They wanted nothing more than simply to live 
under the grace and peace of God.
  But then in the year 70 of the Common Era, the Second Temple was 
destroyed by the Romans. During a final revolt against the Romans, at 
Masada, the sheared plain that stands in the Judean desert, brave Jews 
sacrificed their lives rather than endure as slaves. The Romans forced 
Jews to leave and even re-named the country ``Palestine'' named after 
the Phoenicians, the enemies of the Jews. The Jewish people had lost 
their country and would not recover for nearly two millennia.
  By any realistic view of history, the Israelites, few in number, 
robbed of their

[[Page H2371]]

homeland and set apart by the cruelest of persecutions, should have 
disappeared.
  But history is not able to reckon with the Jewish people. Instead of 
disappearing, the Jews flourished under the Lord's protective eye, 
developing a vast treasure of religious literature and a way of life 
that stressed lifelong learning and a striving to lead a moral life.
  Through inquisition and torture, through religious coercion and 
unendurable pain, the Jewish people held firm to their religious 
foundations. Here, in our own century, occurred the Holocaust, the most 
monstrous and inhuman evil that mankind has ever inflicted upon itself. 
Six million Jews, one and half million of them children, were 
systematically murdered. One-third of the Jewish people in the world 
died during the Holocaust.
  Even during these darkest hours of the Holocaust, when all hope for 
the Jewish people seemed to have disappeared, when their very future 
hung on the edge of despair, they persevered. Then came Israel.
  The modern vision of a Jewish state, nourished by an historic 
attachment to the land of Israel, was given expression by the Viennese 
journalist Theodor Herzl, who organized the First Zionist Congress in 
1897. When the Congress was ended, Herzl noted in his diary that the 
Jewish state would come into being in 50 years. It was exactly 50 years 
later that Israel was born.
  On May 14, 1948, David Ben Gurion announced the birth of the modern 
Jewish nation. A day later, Arab armies attacked in full force, in an 
attempt to kill it before it had a chance to be born. After a bitter 
struggle for its very life, against overwhelming odds and trained 
armies, Israel prevailed. Their nation would not die. Masada would not 
fall again. David Ben-Gurion, the first Prime Minister and Menachem 
Begin, who would later become Prime Minister, both contributed mightily 
to Israel's birth. The number of heroes in Israel's birth is 
innumerable.

  Over the course of the past 50 years, Israel has had to continually 
fight for its survival. In both 1956 and 1967, Israel had to defend 
itself against the attacks of its antagonistic neighbors. The Six Day 
War of '67 was particularly difficult for Israel. When the war was 
over, Israel gained control over all of Jerusalem including the Western 
Wall, the most sacred site in Jewish life because it is the last 
remaining part of the Second Temple. The Jews had returned to their 
land and to their holy city. In many ways, they returned to history 
itself.
  Still, wars followed, though some Arab nations have come to see the 
need for peace. However, to this day, many Arabs have not reconciled 
themselves to the permanent existence of Israel. Terrorists, rogue 
nations, and bitter and implacable enemies continue to threaten Israel. 
Yet at 50, Israel has never been stronger.
  Perhaps, especially for the Jews, but finally for all decent people, 
the very existence of Israel remains a symbol. Israel's historic return 
as a nation offers hope and reassurance for people the world over who 
are struggling to realize their own homeland. Israel's refusal to 
surrender to enduring horrors provides a model of courage for those in 
need of strength. Israel's commitment to democracy and religious 
freedom is a wonderful example for those who believe that nations can 
be both strong and decent.
  Israel will always possess a special place in the heart and mind of 
the United States. Israel is, of course, a vital military ally, 
paramount in its support of the U.S. in the United Nations, and a 
dependable military source of information and support. Beyond these 
prudential reasons, however, Israel means much more to us. Sentinels of 
democracy, both nations were founded in pursuit of the righteous cause 
of liberty and human dignity. Citizens of both great nations have 
sacrificed their own lives in defense of freedom and in battle against 
tyranny. Neither America nor Israel is willing to accept the 
exploitation and oppression of innocent people by despotic rulers.
  The truth is that Israel is not just another nation; it is part of 
our family. As one brother to another, we in the United States rejoice 
as we celebrate Israel's 50th birthday. Let us use this moment to vow 
to stand forever by Israel's side. Let every enemy of Israel know that 
the United States stands firmly beside Israel. We will never be silent 
when Israel is in danger. We will never let Israel's enemies win.
  We stand with Israel. We wait in excitement to witness the miraculous 
achievements that Israel will have in the next 50 years.
  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker. This week we celebrate the 50th anniversary 
of the State of Israel, a truly momentous occasion. For Jews in Israel, 
America, and around the world this is a time of great celebration.
  For 50 years, Israel has struggled to survive in a region of 
hostility, surrounded by neighbors who sought to destroy her. For 50 
years, Israel has labored to transform a desert into a land of milk and 
honey and for 50 years, Israel has become a beacon of democracy, a land 
of freedom and a homeland for Jews everywhere.
  Mr. Speaker, dear colleagues, let us join together in wishing Israel 
a happy 50th and a hearty ``mazel tov.''
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I once again ask my colleagues to support 
this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the joint resolution, H.J. Res. 102.
  The question was taken.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 5 of rule I and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

                          ____________________