[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 63 (Friday, May 13, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E960-E961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2005

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 57 years since the 
founding of the State of Israel. This momentous occasion is not only a 
day of joy for the people of Israel but for those that cherish freedom 
and democracy across the world.
  The founding of the State of Israel was a miraculous event. In a 
period of time when the persecution of Jews ran rampant across Europe, 
Zionist visionaries saw the great need to establish a Jewish State. 
Theodre Herzl while a reporter on the Dreyfus Affair in France 
recognized the hostility that existed against Jews and against all odds 
began to successfully garner support for his idea of a Jewish State.
  Mr. Speaker, we all know what the State of Israel has become since 
those uncertain times. Jews across the globe who were persecuted, be it 
in Yemen, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran or the Soviet Union were able to turn 
to their

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Jewish brethren in the State of Israel to taste freedom and freely 
practice their faith. The State of Israel aside from being a thriving 
metropolis with a vibrant economy has become the central location for 
the study of Judaism and its holy texts.
  Since its inception Israel has been fighting a war of terrorism 
perpetuated against it. I have been pleased throughout my tenure in 
Congress to stand strongly with the State of Israel in their struggle 
against terrorism and will continue to do so. We must recognize our 
allies in the Middle East. Israel has continuously stood with the 
United States and our interests and I hope that our close relationship 
will continue to be strengthened as we work to promote our shared 
values.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the 
outstanding leadership of The Consul General in New York, Arye Mekel, 
for his dedication to bridging the communities of Israel and New York. 
Additionally, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York has 
worked tirelessly to advocate on the behalf of the State of Israel and 
the New York Jewish Community and I would like to thank them for their 
hard work.
  Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues here today in congratulating the 
State of Israel on their Independence and look forward to the alliance 
between our two countries to continue to grow.

                          ____________________