[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 63 (Monday, May 18, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E878-E879]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM ROEMER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 18, 1998

  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Joint 
Resolution 102, ``Expressing the Sense of the Congress on the Occasion 
of the 50th Anniversary of the Founding of the Modern State of 
Israel.''
  I wish to convey my warmest congratulations to the Jewish community 
on this happy occasion of the 50th anniversary of Israel. I am proud to 
be a cosponsor of this important resolution, which commends Israel for 
its

[[Page E879]]

achievements in building a new state and a democratic society, 
reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the United 
States and Israel, and extends our best wishes to the State of Israel 
for a peaceful, prosperous, and successful future.
  Mr. Speaker, the Bible tells the story of so many miracles of 
importance to the Jewish community, from the parting of the Red Sea to 
the oil which burned for eight nights. The fact that Israel has 
survived and flourished for 50 years as a free and democratic nation 
under the most difficult of circumstances is, in its own right, a 
modern-day miracle that rivals all the miracles of the past. It is a 
tribute to the strength of the Jewish religion and the determination of 
the Jewish people in South Bend, Indiana and across the world. I hope 
that as we join in this momentous celebration, we can not only reflect 
on the struggles and sacrifices which marked the first 50 years of 
Israel's existence, but also look forward to a future of peace and 
happiness for Israel and the Jewish community everywhere.
  I strongly believe that it is most appropriate for the Congress on 
behalf of the American people to reaffirm the bonds of warm friendship 
that link us with the Jewish people and Israel. Traditionally, Israel 
has been our strongest democratic ally in the volatile Middle East 
region, revealing the strong common links that bind us with the people 
of Israel and reflect our shared experiences and interests.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, let me express my strong support for House 
Joint Resolution 102 and my congratulations to the Jewish community on 
this happy occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the 
modern State of Israel.

                          ____________________