[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 63 (Friday, May 13, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E974-E975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2005

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I am proud to join my colleagues in 
the United States Congress and world leaders in celebrating the 
creation of the State of Israel on this 57th anniversary of Israel's 
Independence

[[Page E975]]

Day. On this historic day, we honor the achievements of the Jewish 
people and the Jewish state, and salute a young and proud nation that 
has accomplished so much in so little time.
  In the 57 years since independence, Israel has welcomed immigrants 
from all corners of the world, including over a million new immigrants 
from the former Soviet Union. Israel today is a vibrant democracy, the 
only democracy in the Middle East, and a world leader in technology and 
agricultural innovation for arid regions.
  We must remember that these great achievements have come at a great 
cost. More than 20,000 Israel Defense Force members have died fighting 
for the cause of a Jewish state in the years since the war of 
independence--over 169 Israeli soldiers in the past year alone, since 
the last Remembrance and Independence Days. Their sacrifice has created 
a beacon of democracy and hope for millions of Jews around the world.
  We must also remember those innocent civilians who have been killed 
by terrorists trying to destroy the State of Israel and her people. By 
remaining strong in our convictions and our support of Israel, we honor 
their memory and move closer towards creating a peaceful and prosperous 
future.
  On this Day of Independence, the United States of America and Israel 
stand side-by-side in our commitment to democracy, to peace, and to the 
State of Israel. The United States will never flinch and will never 
waiver in its support for the safety and security of the State of 
Israel and of her people.

                          ____________________