[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 59 (Tuesday, May 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E823]
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. JAY W. JOHNSON

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 28, 1998

  Mr. JOHNSON of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Israel's 
50th birthday and celebrate a half century of freedom, democracy, and 
independence.
  In 1948, a Jewish homeland was created after 2,000 years in which its 
people knew only exile and, far too often, persecution. For thousands 
of years, the Jewish people would say, ``Next year in Jerusalem,'' but 
their cry would go unrealized. But the suffering and wandering ended 
fifty years ago when the world community fulfilled the dreams of the 
Zionists, and gave men and women around the globe a place in the holy 
land to call their own.
  It has been a remarkable fifty years. As the Psalmist tells us, ``He 
that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.'' We have 
certainly seen this message bear truth. Israel's entire history has 
been a race of hope versus conflict. Though its people have known 
tragedy and war, Israel has always triumphed. This tiny nation has 
persevered and thrived, building an island of democracy in a troubled 
region and a haven of faith in an uncertain time.
  As a representative of all the people of Northeast Wisconsin, it is 
my great pleasure to congratulate Israel on an extraordinary half 
century and extend my hope and confidence for its continued strength in 
the years to come.
  In the last fifty years, we have turned the plea of ``Next year in 
Jerusalem'' into a promise. Long may that promise flourish.

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