[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 24, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1072]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING 57TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF STATE OF ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 23, 2005

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this 
resolution marking the 57th anniversary of the independence of the 
State of Israel, and to extend my congratulations to the Israeli 
people.
  Israel has had to overcome many obstacles in its 57 years of 
existence. On May 14, 1948, Israel proclaimed its independence. Less 
than 24 hours later, the armies of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and 
Iraq invaded the country, forcing Israel to defend itself. In what 
became known as Israel's War of Independence, the newly formed, poorly 
equipped Israel Defense Forces held off the invaders in fierce 
fighting, which lasted 15 months and claimed over 6,000 Israeli lives, 
nearly one percent of the country's Jewish population at the time.
  This war characterized the struggles the Israeli people have endured 
since 1948. However, in the face of this hostility from their 
neighbors, and the numerous terrorist attacks they have suffered, 
Israel has maintained the ideals it was founded on, pluralism, freedom, 
and human rights. Israel has served as a beacon of democracy in the 
Middle East and its shared values with the United States has led to a 
natural friendship between the two nations. We in Congress stand firmly 
behind Israel. The United States has a stake in the future of Israel 
and in the entire region, and we must make every effort to assist 
Israel in its struggle for security by helping reach a lasting peace 
with its neighbors.
  Mr. Speaker, the commemoration of the independence of Israel is an 
important reminder of the contributions of Israel to democracy 
worldwide. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating 
Israel's independence by supporting House Concurrent Resolution 149.

                          ____________________