[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 27, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E661-E662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       ISRAEL'S INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 2004

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the 
people of the 4th Congressional District to express my heartfelt 
congratulations on the 56th anniversary of Israel's Independence Day. 
Today we celebrate the rebirth of the Jewish State. On this land, 
thousands of years ago, the Jewish people developed their culture and 
continue to cultivate it today.
  The ideals, which Israelis live with, and for, were enshrined in 
their declaration of independence and represented by David Ben-Gurion, 
a leader in the struggle to establish the State of Israel, and the 
first Prime Minister. He presided over national projects, in order to 
rapidly develop the country, none more important than the airlift of 
Jews from other countries. There are over 6.7 million people, over 5.5 
million of them Jewish, currently living in Israel.

[[Page E662]]

  Faced with constant fear and terror I commend the Israelis for 
creating and maintaining a viable democracy, founded on liberty, 
justice, and peace. They have overcome and accomplished so much in a 
short amount of time. Lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors 
remains the ultimate goal and peace has been achieved in certain 
regions. Together, we can make realize the ultimate goal of peace with 
all of Israel's neighbors and share legitimate security and success.
  Mazel Tov!

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