[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 63 (Friday, May 13, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E958]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ERIC CANTOR

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2005

  Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the modern day 
state of Israel on its 57th birthday. In 1948, facing overwhelming 
odds, Jews living in their historic homeland, survivors of the 
Holocaust and refugees from around the world stood in a small room in 
Tel Aviv to announce the creation of the Jewish state. In the shadow of 
the murderous genocide of the Holocaust, the State of Israel was 
created so that Jews around the world would always have safe refuge 
from oppression and annihilation.
  On May 14, 1948, years of Zionists' dreams culminated at this 
historic moment as David Ben Gurion announced to the world that once 
again Israel was to be a free and independent state. Founded on 
principles of freedom and democracy, the new state of Israel was 
quickly recognized by the United States as a welcome ally in the Middle 
East. Unfortunately, within hours of this historic declaration, the 
neighboring Arab nations attacked and sent Israel into its first war as 
an independent nation. Despite conventional wisdom, and to the great 
surprise of many around the world, Israel survived the attack, but at a 
heavy cost to the young nation.
  Today, Israel is a thriving democracy and one of the United States' 
strongest allies in our War on Terror. Israel has demonstrated to the 
world that democracy can thrive in the Middle East and that freedom of 
religion, freedom of the press and basic human rights can work in a 
region that is otherwise dominated by terror and oppression. Israel, 
with a free market economy and a commitment to human rights, serves as 
an inspiration for other nations and new democracies struggling to take 
hold in the Middle East.
  I stand today to congratulate Israel on its strong dedication to 
freedom and democracy throughout its 57 years of existence. I look 
forward to strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship and continuing to 
celebrate Israel's independence in years to come.

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