[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 72 (Thursday, May 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1134]
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. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 23, 2005

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 57th 
Anniversary of Israel's Independence Day.
  Having long been the victims of discrimination and persecution, and 
fresh from the unimaginable horror of the Holocaust, the Jewish people 
of the world were successful in establishing an independent state in 
May of 1948. Thanks to their heroic efforts, Israel was born as a 
pluralistic democracy that promotes the values of liberty for all of 
its citizens. Fifty-seven years later, Israel continues to shine as a 
beacon of hope in a region too often blighted by oppressive and 
dictatorial regimes.
  Despite Israel's desire for a peaceable existence, its citizens have 
been the target of violence since the state's inception. These attacks 
have come from neighboring states, resulting in multiple wars, and from 
the coordinated efforts of terrorists. Innocent Israeli's have been 
targeted while going about their daily lives, often during activities 
as routine as boarding a bus or sitting in an outdoor cafe.
  Yet, despite the recurring waves of terror, the Israeli people have 
managed not just to maintain their independence, but also to thrive as 
a society. Israelis find themselves at the leading edge of innovation 
in the scientific and academic fields. The industrious Israeli people 
transformed an arid landscape into a model green space dotted with 
cities rich in diversity and culture. This resilience and vibrancy is a 
credit to Israel's open system of government, a system that respects 
and promotes civil rights, free expression, and genuine democratic 
elections.
  I am hopeful that a lasting peace in this troubled region can be 
reached. However, this cannot come at the expense of Israel's security. 
I will continue to demand that the Palestinian Authority renounce, 
immediately and completely, all forms of terrorism.
  On this day of independence, Yom Ha'Atzmaut, the United States stands 
proudly with Israel and remembers the sacrifices made by her founders. 
In addition, we honor the soldiers and ordinary citizens who have died 
in defense of freedom. The U.S. takes great pride in our alliance with 
Israel, and we find great strength in our moral and philosophical ties, 
as well as our economic and military partnerships. We will continue to 
act jointly with Israel to preserve her status as a secure Jewish state 
and a model of democracy for the whole of the Middle East.
  I urge my colleagues to support this concurrent resolution.

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