[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 27, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E658]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO THE STATE OF ISRAEL ON THE 56TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS 
                            INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 2004

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to add my voice to the chorus of 
Members sharing their warm wishes, praise, and congratulations to the 
State of Israel on its 56th anniversary of its Independence Day. I too 
am deeply gratified and proud of the many accomplishments of this 
relatively young country and the ancient people who have brought it 
into being and sustained it against astonishing odds.
  Last week, Members commemorated Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remberance 
Day; today, Yom HaAtzmaot, Israel Independence Day. Appropriately, we 
go from tragedy to celebration, but there is no question the two events 
and the two moods are inseparable. Without the singular tragedy of the 
Holocaust there might not have been a State of Israel created; with a 
State of Israel in existence, there might not have been a Holocaust. 
Bonded together are birth and death; bottomless despair and limitless 
hope.
  Unquestionably, Israel has achieved more than anyone might have 
believed fifty-six years ago. The Jewish State has created and 
sustained the only true democracy in the entire Middle East. Faced with 
an unending series of defensive wars, stringent military service 
requirements and necessarily high defense spending, in the entire 
region, Israel is the only country which routinely lives with genuine 
respect for civil rights, rule of law, due process, and authentic 
elections that reflect the will of a free people. The only state in the 
Middle East with a culture that is Western and open, full of dissent 
and argument, pulsing with innovation in the arts and constantly open 
to change is Israel. In the sphere of economics, Israel has transformed 
itself into miniature powerhouse. Israel's economy is vibrant and 
dynamic, pushing the boundaries of technology and attracting venture 
capital at a remarkable rate. Israeli scientists, doctors and engineers 
routinely contribute to the body of human knowledge, and produce 
inventions that make all our lives safer, more convenient and more 
enjoyable.
  Given the historic combination of its emphasis on education and 
technology, and the freedom enjoyed by the Israeli people, it is no 
surprise that Israel, with a population of only a few million, has a 
gross domestic product above $100 billion and an industrial base 
greater than all its neighbors combined. Not surprising but still 
miraculous.
  Even more amazing is that Israel has achieved all this while also 
fulfilling its mandate as the safe harbor and refuge of the Jewish 
People. To succeed as Israel has is remarkable; to do so 
while absorbing millions of Jewish refugees from post-War Europe, the 
Arab states, from Ethiopia, and from the former Soviet Union is 
unfathomable. Millions of Jews from around the world, including this 
country, have made alliyah, have ``gone up'' to the Land of Israel, and 
made it their home. The result is a country which is an incredible 
mosaic, a new country formed in a timeless land by an ancient people.

  And, as we all know, the Israel Defense Forces have made their 
reputation on the field of battle as one of the premier military 
organizations in human history. Unfortunately, tragically, they have 
been compelled to do so by circumstances not of their choosing. Israel 
has been under attack and at war for every single day of its existence. 
This painful fact is not now, and never has been, a result of the 
choices of Israel's government which has always sought peace and been 
desperate to make peace.
  Mr. Speaker, no other country in the entire world is forced to endure 
a state of constant siege. No other country in the world regularly 
endures calls by other states for its extirpation. No other country in 
the world suffers the indignity of having terrorists committed to its 
destruction routinely described merely as ``militants,'' or praised as 
``martyrs.'' No other country in the world is so unfairly isolated and 
routinely singled out for criticism and contempt.
  Since President Harry Truman decided to ignore his advisors and chose 
to support the creation of Israel, the United States has been a true 
friend and ally to the Jewish State. Our values, our heritage, and our 
interests guide our special relationship, and it is no surprise our 
ties have only gotten stronger. In a time when both countries have been 
compelled to fight back against terrorism, there is no question we will 
only go from strength to strength.
  Mr. Speaker, I am enormously proud of the ties between our nation and 
the State of Israel, and equally so, the support this House has shown 
again and again, without fail. On this occasion celebrating the 56th 
anniversary of Israel's Independence Day, I know the whole House joins 
me in extending to the Israeli people and their government the most 
enthusiastic of congratulations and best wishes for the many, many 
years of freedom and prosperity that are certain to come.

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