[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 51 (Thursday, April 30, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E730]
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

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                               speech of

                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 28, 1998

  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th 
anniversary of the establishment of the modern State of Israel, and I 
commend my colleague, Mr. Lantos, for introducing this resolution that 
reaffirms the strong bond of friendship and cooperation between Israel 
and the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago, when David Ben Gurion proclaimed the State 
of Israel, the world was still reeling from a devastating conflict, and 
from the realization that more than six million Jews had perished in an 
orchestrated extermination campaign. The embryonic State of Israel gave 
hope to Jews everywhere that safety, freedom, and justice could be 
found at last--and in the ancient cradle of their religion and 
civilization. And so they have.
  And, in the 50 years since its establishment, Israel has accomplished 
much more than providing a haven for Jews around the world. It has 
become a vibrant pluralistic democracy--indeed still the only fully 
realized democracy in the Middle East--and has enjoyed dramatic 
economic success, even as it sought to achieve security and peace with 
its neighbors. Throughout these five decades, it has remained a 
stalwart U.S. ally in one of the most unstable regions in the entire 
world.
  Mr. Speaker, a half-century of friendship and cooperation between 
Israel and the United States began with President Truman's recognition 
of Israel shortly after its establishment. It continues today, with our 
common search for security and peace in the Middle East.
  I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Israel on the 
occasion of this memorable milestone.

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