[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 51 (Thursday, April 30, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S3955]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAELI INDEPENDENCE

 Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, today we are celebrating one of 
the greatest achievements of the twentieth century--the founding of the 
state of Israel. I rise to congratulate the people of Israel for a half 
century of independence--and to look forward to a future of peace and 
prosperity.
  The story of Israel is unique. A people forced into exile, who 
endured centuries of persecution, rebuilt their ancient homeland. They 
forged a nation where they could practice their ancient faith and 
traditions. They created an open and free democratic society. And 
always, they offer a home to Jewish immigrants from around the world.
  The founding of Israel followed the most incomprehensible and evil 
event of the twentieth century, when the Nazis--with the complicity of 
so many others--sought to exterminate a people. The survivors of the 
Holocaust helped to build modern Israel. Never again will the Jewish 
people be dependent on anyone else for their security.
  At first Israelis envisioned an agrarian society. But today, Israel 
is a center for technology and science. American scientists and 
engineers are working as partners with Israelis to develop the 
innovations of the next century. Our great federal laboratories, like 
the National Institutes of Health, are now working with Israeli 
scientists on a cure for cancer and other deadly diseases.
  America's relationship with Israel is also unique. We share common 
goals, values and interests. We stand by each other in good times and 
bad.
  Israel has had to endure five wars and live in constant readiness for 
battle. They live with the constant threat of terrorism. America must 
continue to stand by Israel--to make sure they have what they need to 
protect themselves. We must also stand by them in stopping their 
enemies from developing the weapons of mass destruction--and the 
missiles to deliver these deadly weapons.
  We all hope that the next century will bring peace to Israel and its 
neighbors. Five years ago, we witnessed the famous handshakes on the 
White House lawn. These handshakes heralded a new commitment toward 
peace.
  The peace process is now stalled. There is a crisis of confidence and 
a lack of trust. There has been a lot of finger-pointing about who is 
to blame. But let's remember how much Israel has given up for peace. 
Let's remember the Sinai and Hebron. No victorious power has ever given 
up more for peace.
  Mr. President: I salute the people of Israel as they celebrate fifty 
years of independence, and I look forward to a future of peace, 
prosperity and friendship.

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