[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 49 (Tuesday, April 28, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H2380-H2381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN SUPPORT OF RESOLUTION ON OCCASION OF 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDING OF 
                         MODERN STATE OF ISRAEL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House 
Joint Resolution 102, expressing the sense of 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 would like to particularly acknowledge the Jewish community in 
Houston and thank them for giving to Houston and Houston school 
children the wonderful Holocaust Museum located in

[[Page H2381]]

Houston, TX which has provided so many with an opportunity to 
understand the life and legacy of so many of our Jewish community and 
as well the history of Israel.
  I would also like to acknowledge special friends like the late Jerry 
Ribnik, someone who has lived his life in fostering good relations, 
human relations and communication between those of the Jewish community 
and the larger community, and particularly for his support of Israel.
  Likewise, I would like to add my appreciation and support for Vic 
Samuels, the editor of the Jewish Herald Voice, a paper that for many 
years has given to Houston the value of its insight and understanding 
of the issues dealing with Israel and the issues in general of the 
Jewish community.
  I would also like to thank the late Karen Susman, who worked so very 
hard with the Anti-Defamation League. Many were able to see the light 
through Karen's eyes; we thank her. With her recent passing, I wanted 
her family and friends to know how much her contributions impacted all 
of us and helped to foster relationships between the Jewish community 
and the larger community.
  Then I would also like to commend Melvin and Freda Dow whose combined 
leadership of AIPAC did so much in adding to the national recognition 
of the friendship between Israel and the United States.
  It is important as well to recognize the many community associations 
and organizations like Houston's local chapter of the American Jewish 
Federation, the local chapter of the Anti-Defamation League and, as I 
mentioned earlier, the Jewish Herald Voice newspaper. All have 
contributed to fostering greater understanding and friendship in 
Houston and added to our appreciation of the importance of Israel to 
our Nation and yes, to our city, the City of Houston.
  A milestone in world history was reached on November 29, 1947, when 
the United Nations General Assembly voted to assist in the creation of 
the state of Israel. The people of the United States began a long 
history with the modern state of Israel on May 14, 1948 when 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. This relationship has been fostered 
by a mutual appreciation for democratic values, common strategic 
interests and moral bonds of friendship and mutual respect.
  The establishment of a modern state of Israel as a homeland for the 
Jews followed the murder of more than 6 million European Jews during 
the Holocaust. This tragic chapter in world history will never be 
forgotten, and the establishment of a modern state of Israel in no way 
relieves those responsible for that terrible crime.
  This jubilee year for the state of Israel is one that the United 
States and the world can join in to celebrate together. The people of 
Israel have established a vibrant and functioning pluralistic 
democratic political system including freedom of speech, a free press, 
free and open elections, the rule of law, and other important 
democratic principles and practices.
  I would like to offer my thanks and appreciation to the people of 
Israel for their efforts in maintaining a democratic government and the 
strengthening of the relationship with the United States as each Nation 
moves toward the dawn of a new century. I wish all of Israel and its 
people a prosperous future, and I believe that the next 50 years will 
be as successful as the last. Best wishes to all of you on the 50th 
anniversary of the modern state of Israel.

                          ____________________