[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 27, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 2004

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of 
the State of Israel and the greater Jewish community on the 56th 
anniversary of their Independence. The creation of the Jewish State in 
1948 was met with the immediate support and recognition from the United 
States, and our country has continued to consider Israel our closest 
friend and strongest ally. As Israel continues to fight against 
terrorist groups, it is more important than ever the United States 
continues to show our solidarity and provide whatever aid and support 
both economic and moral, to our friend Israel.
  Israel, as the only truly democratic nation in the Middle East should 
be lauded for 56 years of democracy. Israel continues to show the world 
that this small state which has been surrounded by aggressive states 
for most of its existence is here to stay. I believe the survival of 
the Jewish state is paramount and the United States must continue to 
encourage Israel's sustained efforts to defend the freedoms and rights 
it has secured its citizens.
  That is why I commend President Bush, for his strong leadership in 
standing with Prime Minister Sharon in support of Israel's withdrawal 
from Gaza, and in support of limited Israeli settlements in the West 
Bank. Prime Minister Sharon's bold and courageous position is following 
in the footsteps of Prime Minister Barak's withdrawal of Israeli troops 
from Lebanon. Unfortunately though, just as in Lebanon, I do not 
believe Hamas, the Palestinian Authority or other terrorist 
organizations will show the strong leadership and quest for peace that 
the Israeli government has shown, by stopping their terrorist attacks 
against the Jewish state.
  Since its Independence, Israel has endured the unstable and troubling 
conditions in the Middle East that have sparked several wars and 
incited much violence. Yet the Israeli people remain united and strong 
and continue to stand up for their nation. That is why I stand here 
today, and re-affirm the right of the Israeli people to always protect 
themselves and their state from the forces of terrorism, no matter 
where it may exist.
  Israel is a modern success story, the only Democracy in the Middle 
East, the only Middle Eastern country where Arabs have the right to 
vote for their elected officials and their political leaders. Her 
detractors, and those who hide their anti-Semitism behind anti-Zionism 
must not denigrate the success of Israel. I am proud to be one of 
Israel's strongest friends in Congress and to stand here today and wish 
Israel a hearty Mazel Tov on 56 years of Independence.

                          ____________________