[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 27, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 2004

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the anniversary of 
the establishment of the State of Israel and to pay tribute to those 
who have given their lives for the achievement of the country's 
independence and its continued existence.
  Israel's Independence Day comes just 8 days after the Holocaust 
Remembrance Day which is the day that has been set aside for 
remembering the victims of the Holocaust and for contemplating what can 
happen to civilized people when bigotry, hatred, and indifference 
reign. Lost 2 thousand years earlier, Jewish independence was restored 
in 1948 with the establishment of the State of Israel. Independence Day 
is a celebration of the renewal of the Jewish state and allows the 
Jewish people to continue development of their distinctive religion and 
culture.
  However, their independence has come at a price. The State of Israel 
has faced obstacles and challenges to its very survival, with 
conventional military attacks leading the way to suicide bombers who 
have killed innocent Israeli men, women, and children. Through these 
adversities, Israel has endured with continued strength, conviction, 
and faith. As the only democracy in the region, it serves as a model 
for its neighbors and provides hope for the future. As the United 
States had to face the harsh realities of terrorism following the 
unthinkable attacks on our country on September 11, 2001, the bond 
between our nations has never been stronger.
  Mr. Speaker, the commemoration of the independence of Israel is an 
important reminder of the contributions of Israel to democracy 
worldwide. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating 
Israel's independence and to pay tribute to the fallen men, women, and 
children that have died in Israel's continued struggle for independence 
and democracy.

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