[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 27, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         CELEBRATING ISRAEL'S 56TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 2004

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the state of 
Israel on the celebration of its 56th anniversary of independence. Born 
out of the ashes of the Holocaust, Israel has blossomed into a dynamic 
and successful democracy. I urge all of my colleagues to pause and 
recognize this grand achievement.
  Since their forced removal from the historic land of Israel by the 
Romans some 2,000 years ago, Jews have migrated the four corners of the 
earth. With the establishment of the modern state of Israel, Jews once 
again found sovereignty and self-rule in the land of their forefathers
  The United States has a special relationship with Israel and her 
people, and it is right that we do. Israel, like the United States, 
values liberty, individual expression, and freedom of religion, 
assembly and the press. It too is a land of immigrants from continents 
as diverse as Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. We share basic 
values of freedom, a love of life, and a concern for our citizens' 
well-being. Israel also is a land of great innovation, home to great 
advancements in biosciences, agriculture and computer sciences to name 
a few. Israel's military and our own share resources and work together 
to achieve advances in defense technology that benefit both nations.
  We all know that Israel finds itself beset by enemies sworn to its 
destruction, facing daily acts of terrorism. We in Congress stand 
firmly behind Israel's security. Israel is a reality, and it is here to 
stay. The sooner Israel's neighbors accept this basic point, the sooner 
we will see progress toward peace.
  Israel faces many great challenges, and solving them will take our 
active participation. The United States has a stake in the future of 
Israel and in the entire region, and we must not neglect our obligation 
to lead and the opportunity to respond. We should not dictate results, 
but should work always to create an environment that encourages 
dialogue.
  Today is a day of celebration, one that marks the great achievements 
of Israel and her citizens these past 56 years. Like our own 
independence, Israel's comes at great cost. We all look forward to the 
day when Israel will celebrate its independence in peace.