[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 43 (Wednesday, April 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE 54TH ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAELI INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 17, 2002

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, today, Wednesday, April 17, is Yom 
Ha'Atzmaut--Israel's Independence Day. As the people of Israel 
celebrate 54 years as the only democracy in the Middle East, I am proud 
to join with my colleagues to reiterate our continued strong support of 
Israel, its right to defend itself and its people from terrorism, and 
to focus on the special relationship that exists between our two 
nations.
  We all know that these are troubling times for Israel, and indeed, 
the entire Middle East. The world has watched in horror as terrorist 
attacks have killed more than 450 Israelis and wounded nearly 4,000.
  Car bombings, suicide attacks and widespread terrorism in residential 
areas have disrupted the lives of Israelis. Men and women fear that an 
ordinary trip to their local market will result in tragedy. Children 
longer feel safe to ride their school buses, and families sitting down 
to celebrate a holy meal have been murdered by suicide bombers. Since 
September 11, I think all Americans have a new understanding of the 
threats that Israelis face and have faced for some time. And I think 
all Americans have been steeled in their resolve to root out terror 
wherever it may be found.
  Before and since being elected to Congress, I have supported a strong 
Israel. America has always had a unique relationship with Israel. They 
are our most important strategic ally in this volatile area, and a 
nation whose founding and existence clearly makes the world better.
  The United States must continue to voice its support for Israel and 
for their right to defend their people and to exist. That is 
particularly true at this terrible time. The United States must be 
prepared to continue to provide the diplomatic, military, and economic 
support that Israel needs.
  As the world's only superpower, the United States plays an essential 
role as a broker of peace in the region. I am pleased to see President 
Bush engaged on this issue, sending Secretary of State Powell to the 
Middle East to try to end the violence. But we must not let that role 
keep us from speaking the truth. As our President has said, terrorism 
is unacceptable in all its forms. Palestinians must end the violence 
against the Israelis. The attacks must stop.
  When they do, Israel must respond, as I am confident she will, with 
corresponding steps to reduce the level of tension. That is the only 
way to get back to the peace table. And only peace discussions can 
achieve the lasting, just peace that will best serve the interests of 
all Israelis, all Palestinians and indeed, all of us throughout the 
world.
  Mr. Speaker, my personal sense of commitment to Israel has only been 
strengthened by recent developments. Today, as Israelis' mark their 
54th anniversary, we can celebrate the existence of a strong and 
vibrant Jewish state. I am proud to observe this occasion and to use 
this opportunity to join with my colleagues to reaffirm our solidarity 
with Israel and the Israeli people.

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