[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 50 (Wednesday, April 29, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E709-E710]
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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 28, 1998

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, in commemorating the 50th 
Anniversary of the creation of the State of Israel, I rise to pay 
tribute to the pioneers and visionaries who survived the holocaust and 
who built this magnificent nation. Fifty years after its creation, 
Israel is still the lone beacon of democracy in the Middle East, and 
our most stalwart ally.
  At midnight on May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was established as 
the British mandate over Palestine ended. The moment that Israel 
declared itself a free state, U.S. President Harry S. Truman of 
Independence, Missouri declared our country's support for this 
fledgling nation. President Truman's words still ring true. He said, 
``I had faith in Israel before it was established, I have faith in it 
now. I believe it has a glorious future before it--not just another 
sovereign nation, but as an embodiment of the great ideals of our 
civilization.'' On May 15, the day after President Truman recognized 
the state of Israel, the surrounding nations invaded to crush this 
newly free society.
  Mr. Speaker, in 1993 I visited Israel to study their culture, their 
laws and their government, and I was impressed by the accomplishments 
of the citizens who built a thriving economy and ability to manage its 
diversity. Throughout all of challenges that this nation has faced, its 
citizens remain positive about the future and secure in their belief in 
democracy and personal liberty.
  In 1998, 50 years after President Truman's prescient remarks, Israel 
is a vibrant democracy experiencing strong economic growth and a period 
of relative peace. As we congratulate the people of Israel on their 
50th anniversary, we must not forget the mutual support and the strong 
ties that exist between us. As the Congressperson who represents 
President Truman's home, I feel a special connection to the people of 
Israel, and on this day I would like to congratulate them and wish them 
success as they decide on a common purpose that will unify the country.

[[Page E710]]



                          ____________________