[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 52 (Friday, May 1, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E741-E742]
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. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 28, 1998

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, almost sixty years ago, the most tragic 
event of the 20th

[[Page E742]]

Century began. In its early stages, it was hard to see. But it was 
there. It was a knock on the door late at night. It was a forced train 
ride to a far away place. Shamefully and secretly, the Holocaust began. 
Before it was over, more than six million Jews would give their lives. 
Yet the impact of this tragedy did not stop there. As the author and 
Holocaust survivor Elie Weisel once said, ``Not all victims were Jews. 
But all Jews were victims.''
  And so while the world lost the Holocaust victims, the Holocaust 
victims' impact was not lost on the world. If nothing else, this horror 
awakened the world to the need for a Jewish nation. For too long, Jews 
were adrift in the world. Without any hope. Without any home.
  50 years ago this month that changed. The descendants of Abraham and 
David once again created a nation called Israel. Against all the odds, 
the Jewish nation began. And survived. And grew. And conquered. Today, 
Israel is a thriving nation of almost six million citizens. It remains 
the only democracy in the Middle East. And it continues to serve as one 
of America's staunchest allies in the world.
  As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the birth of the modern 
Israel, we can take great pride in the role America played in helping 
to create this beacon of hope in the Middle East. And we can draw 
strength from the courage, conviction, and commitment of this 
Democratic nation.
  Yes, there have been struggles. But the suffering has increased the 
resolve of these heroic people.
  Yes, there have been tragedies. But the cost of freedom has never 
been cheap, and the Israeli people have always been willing to meet it.
  And yes, there have been all kinds of setbacks. But what does not 
destroy Israel makes it stronger.
  After 50 years, the nation of Israel remains. Proud. Prepared. And 
free. God bless this nation, their people, and their future. And may 
God preserve their special place in the world and in our hearts.

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