[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 50 (Tuesday, May 2, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H1941-H1944]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING 58TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF ISRAEL

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 392) recognizing the 58th 
anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 392

       Whereas on May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was 
     established as a sovereign and independent nation;
       Whereas the United States was one of the first nations to 
     recognize Israel, only 11 minutes after its creation;
       Whereas Israel has provided the opportunity for Jews from 
     all over the world to reestablish their ancient homeland;
       Whereas Israel is home to many religious sites which are 
     sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam;
       Whereas Israel provided a refuge to Jews who survived the 
     horrors of the Holocaust, which were unprecedented in human 
     history;
       Whereas the people of Israel have established a unique, 
     pluralistic democracy which includes the freedoms cherished 
     by the people of the United States, including freedom of 
     speech, freedom of religion, freedom of association, freedom 
     of the press, and government by the consent of the governed;
       Whereas Israel continues to serve as a shining model of 
     democratic values by regularly holding free and fair 
     elections, promoting the free exchange of ideas, and 
     vigorously exercising in its Parliament, the Knesset, a 
     democratic government that is fully representative of its 
     citizens;
       Whereas Israel has bravely defended itself from terrorist 
     and military attacks repeatedly since independence;
       Whereas the Government of Israel has successfully worked 
     with the neighboring Governments of Egypt and Jordan to 
     establish peaceful, bilateral relations;
       Whereas despite the deaths of over 1,000 innocent Israelis 
     at the hands of murderous, suicide bombers and other 
     terrorists during the past five years, the people of Israel 
     continue to seek peace with their Palestinian neighbors;
       Whereas visionary Israeli leaders like Yitzhak Rabin and 
     Ariel Sharon were at the forefront of creating conditions for 
     peace in the Middle East;
       Whereas the United States and Israel enjoy a strategic 
     partnership based on shared democratic values, friendship, 
     and respect;
       Whereas the people of the United States share an affinity 
     with the people of Israel and view Israel as a strong and 
     trusted ally;
       Whereas Israel has made significant global contributions in 
     the fields of science, medicine, and technology; and
       Whereas Israel's Independence Day on the Jewish calendar 
     coincides this year with May 3, 2006: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) recognizes the independence of the State of Israel as a 
     significant event in providing refuge and a national homeland 
     for the Jewish people;
       (2) commends the bipartisan commitment of all United States 
     administrations and United States Congresses since 1948 to 
     stand by Israel and work for its security and well-being;
       (3) congratulates the United States and Israel for the 
     strengthening of bilateral relations in the past year in the 
     fields of defense, diplomacy, and homeland security and 
     encourages both nations to continue their cooperation in 
     resolving future mutual challenges; and
       (4) extends warm congratulations and best wishes to the 
     people of Israel as they celebrate the 58th anniversary of 
     Israel's independence.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Lantos) each will control 20 minutes.

[[Page H1942]]

  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida.


                             General Leave

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  This week, we commemorate Israel's Independence Day. Israel's 
Independence Day comes just days after the Holocaust Remembrance Day, a 
date set aside for recalling the victims of the Holocaust and for 
contemplating what can happen to a civilized people when bigotry, 
hatred and indifference reign.
  Following on the heels of the Holocaust Remembrance Day, the 
commemoration of Israeli Independence is a salute to and a celebration 
of Jewish perseverance and endurance, of the strength of character of 
the Jewish people.
  On this day, we honor the great people of Israel, who are in constant 
struggle to safeguard their nation and ensure their survival amidst 
military attacks from hostile neighbors and prolonged terrorist 
campaigns.
  Throughout its short history, Israelis have fought against incredible 
odds to reestablish the birthplace of the Jewish people.
  Israel has been in a state of war for 58 years, commencing the moment 
that Israeli independence was declared by David Ben-Gurion. Yet, even 
at war, Israel's democracy and its vibrant, diverse and free society 
have remained strong. As democracies and freedom-loving nations, we 
stand side by side against oppression, terrorism, hatred and 
intolerance.
  Today, Israel is a strong and prosperous nation. Its economy is 
thriving, and it has been a world leader in scientific discoveries.
  The Israeli government has taken unprecedented steps in the past year 
to reach a peaceful resolution of their conflict with the Palestinians. 
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon implemented his plan to withdraw from the 
Gaza Strip. Yet Israel still finds itself without a partner for peace, 
as the Hamas-led PA has shown that they continue to support acts of 
terrorism against innocent Israeli civilians.
  Today, as the State of Israel marks its 58th anniversary, we pay 
tribute to the strong bonds of friendship between the United States and 
Israel, and we reiterate our commitment to its security and its 
stability.
  The United States will never waiver. We will never falter in our 
support for the State of Israel.
  We look forward to a date soon when we can celebrate an independent 
Israeli Jewish State that exists in peace and security and no longer 
has to fear for its very survival. I hope that all Americans will join 
us in extending our best wishes and congratulations to the Israeli 
people and to the Jewish nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume, 
and I rise in strong support of this resolution.
  The resolution before the House expresses Members' heartfelt 
congratulations to the Israeli people in recognition of the 58th 
anniversary of their independence, which they will celebrate tomorrow. 
I strongly commend the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson), my 
colleague, for bringing this resolution before the House.
  The story of Israel's independence is no less inspirational simply 
because it is well known. It represents a remarkable triumph of the 
human spirit.
  Today, the day before its Independence Day, Israel memorialized its 
thousands of fallen soldiers, who themselves silently testify to the 
sacrifice with which Israel won and has perfected its independence and 
freedom.
  Although Israelis have been relentlessly under attack since their 
nation's birth, they have succeeded in creating one of the most 
democratic, prosperous, technologically advanced and humane societies 
on earth.
  Mr. Speaker, Israel celebrates its anniversary this year after having 
unilaterally withdrawn its troops and settlements from Gaza. This was 
done under the courageous leadership of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and 
marked only the most recent testimony of Israel's singular willingness 
to take risks to achieve peace.
  Now, a new prime minister, Ehud Olmert, has taken office. He, too, 
has bold ideas about how to achieve peace. I know him well, and I know 
he is more than up to the task. We congratulate him on his electoral 
victory. We look forward to working with him, and we wish him every 
success in his endeavors.
  Mr. Speaker, the establishment of the State of Israel has been a 
great boon not only for those who live in Israel but for our Nation as 
well. We treasure Israel as our most loyal ally in the Middle East and 
as the embodiment of values we cherish.
  The United States has played a critical role in supporting Israel's 
security. It has played that role in a bipartisan fashion. Congress has 
had a leading responsibility in shaping the structure and content of 
that support. Our support for Israel is an important contribution to, 
and a credit to, U.S. foreign policy, and we are proud of that support.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this resolution and urge all of my 
colleagues to do so.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues for offering 
this important bipartisan resolution recognizing the 58th anniversary 
of the independence of the State of Israel. And I urge my colleagues on 
both sides of the aisle to support it.
  Throughout the last 58 years, Israel--an oasis of freedom in a sea of 
despair--has been vilified, threatened and attacked by those who seek 
her destruction. And yet, she has prevailed and prospered--just as she 
will prevail and prosper today, tomorrow and in the future.
  Harry Truman made the United States the first nation to recognize the 
new State of Israel in 1948, just 11 minutes after its creation.
  ``I had faith in Israel before it was established, I have faith in it 
now,'' said President Truman. ``I believe it has a glorious future 
before it--not just another sovereign nation, but as an embodiment of 
the great ideals of our civilization.''
  Israel's security and success is not only a strategic imperative for 
the United States. It is a moral imperative, as well. Ours is a 
relationship of shared values and common aspirations, and of principle 
and conscience.
  We are nations of immigrants, safe havens for the oppressed and 
partners for peace. And, we are united in fighting terrorism.
  No people on earth have been subjected to more bigotry and violence 
than the Jewish people, and no people are more in need of a sovereign, 
secure homeland to provide safe haven and to protect identity.
  I have had the privilege of leading Congressional delegations on 
tours of Israel twice in the last three years. And, I can say with 
confidence that the special bond that exists between the United States 
and Israel is strong, growing stronger and will not break.
  Last August, our Congressional delegation saw firsthand the pain 
caused by Israel's unilateral disengagement from Gaza--another bold 
step undertaken in the pursuit of peace and stability.
  But more importantly, we saw a people deeply committed to the 
democratic process and the rule of law. What our Members saw was a 
reflection of themselves: People who love their country; people who 
want to live in peace and freedom; and people who want their children 
to have even greater opportunities.
  Today, as our allies in Israel prepare to celebrate their 58th 
anniversary of independence, let us honor their determination to 
fulfill the vision of Zionism's founding father, Theodor Herzl, who 
observed, ``If you will it, it is no dream.''
  Through courage and will, Israel was born and the dream of 
generations was made real--and it will endure.
  I want to congratulate the citizens of Israel and the entire Jewish 
community on this 58th anniversary of Israel's founding.
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I join in support of House 
Concurrent Resolution 392 which which I authored. In the wake of the 
Holocaust, the nation of Israel was established as a refuge for 
millions of Jews who survived horrendous crime crimes committed by the 
Nazis. Over the course of the next fifty-eight years, the people of 
Israel demonstrated the resiliency of the human spirit while overcoming 
tremendous obstacles. Their country now serves as a source of pride for 
the Jewish people and a strong partner in democracy with over 160 
countries.
  Tdday, by recognizing the independence of Israel, commending our 
country' support for

[[Page H1943]]

Israel, and encouraging our two countries to strengthen bilateral 
relations, Congress is clearly stating its confidence in the future of 
this great country. Israelis and Americans share mutual democratic 
values, and respect, and our countries are stronger when we work 
together. As citizens of both nations face similar enemies in the 
Global War on Terrorism, we must remain committed to a strong 
friendship which will protect both of our countries.
  As the people of Israel celebrate their 58th year of independence, I 
am honored to extend my warmest congratulations on this inspiring 
achievement.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget 
September 11th.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, Israel is one of the United States' greatest 
allies and I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing it on the 
occasion of its 58th anniversary celebration of independence.
  One of the most remarkable aspects of the U.S.-Israeli relationship 
is its mutual benefits. For 58 years the United States has assisted 
Israel diplomatically, financially and militarily, while Israel has 
proved itself to be a stalwart friend of democracy in a volatile region 
of the world. Particularly since the September 11, 2001 terrorist 
attacks, Israel has not hesitated to provide technical assistance, 
intelligence and advice on matters of homeland security, on which it 
has become, out of necessity, an expert in its own right.
  Although the history of the Land of Israel stretches back far longer 
than that of the United States, we share a common history as refuges to 
victims of persecution, and as nations that never balked to defend 
freedom, democracy and the inalienable rights of man.
  The United States is proud of its alliance with Israel--a friendship 
that officially began 11 minutes after Israel's creation. I look 
forward to many great years of thoughtful exchange and the promotion of 
our common interests of world peace and prosperity. Congratulations to 
the people of Israel as they celebrate the 58th anniversary of their 
statehood.
  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 
392, which celebrates the 58th anniversary of the independence of the 
State of Israel. Today, we remember and pay tribute to the creation of 
the democratic State of Israel. It took the United States only eleven 
minutes after Israel had been declared a state to officially welcome 
her into the community of nations. For the last 58 years the United 
States and Israel have built a unique special relationship.
  The creation of the State of Israel was a bold step in May of 1948. 
The first Prime Minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion, once said that, 
``courage is a special kind of knowledge: the knowledge of how to fear 
what ought to be feared and how not to fear what ought not to be 
feared.'' It is from such courage that the State of Israel was formed 
and from which Israel continues to maintain its vibrant and strong 
democracy today. We can all learn examples from the struggles that the 
citizens have endured and the grief they have overcome to remain a 
democratic outpost in the Middle East.
  I am proud to join my colleagues today to reiterate our continued 
strong support of Israel and her right to defend herself and her people 
from terrorism, and to focus on the special relationship that exists 
between our two nations. I have had the pleasure of traveling to Israel 
on a number of occasions, and these visits have only reinforced my 
strong conviction that the United States must remain actively engaged 
in ensuring a peaceful and equitable agreement between the two parties 
to the current conflict.
  Yet, much work remains unfinished. We are all troubled by the recent 
Palestinian elections that put Hamsa in control of the Palestinian 
Authority and by the hateful, threatening comments that Iranian 
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has made about Israel. This year also 
brought a transition from Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to Ehud Olmert, 
and my thoughts and prayers remain with the Sharon family. This has 
been a unique year for Israel, full of challenges that were admirably 
met. As Ben-Gurion used to say, ``in Israel, in order to be a realist 
you must believe in miracles.'' I still strongly believe in the dream 
that has become the wonderful reality of Israel.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this resolution celebrating the 
58 years of Israel's existence as a beacon of democracy and hope in the 
Middle East. I also celebrate today the daily courage exhibited by the 
citizens of Israel and express my personal commitment to Israel at this 
milestone in its history. I look forward to future anniversaries, and 
to the day when Israel and her citizens can live in peace without the 
need for courage against fear.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to join in 
celebrating the anniversary of Israel's independence. Israel is one of 
America's closest allies. We rely on her good will in our War on 
Terror. We enjoy mutually beneficial economic agreements. And, we value 
Israel as the only functioning democracy in the world's most volatile 
region.
  On May 14, 1948, or the fifth day of the month of Iyar, which is the 
Hebrew date of the formal establishment of the State, members of the 
``provisional government'' read and signed a Declaration of 
Independence in Tel Aviv. After decades of no homeland, the State of 
Israel was finally returned to the Jewish people. This year will mark 
the 58th anniversary of ``Yom Ha'atzmaut'' or Independence Day.
  Yom Ha'atzmaut in Israel is always preceded by Yom Hazikaron--
Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers. The message of linking these two 
days is clear: Israelis owe their independence--the very existence of 
the State--to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for it, a 
sentiment not lost on Americans.
  The official transition from Yom Hazikaron to Yom Ha'atzmaut is a 
moving event that takes place a few minutes after sundown with a 
ceremony on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem in which the flag is raised from 
half staff to the top of the pole. The President of Israel delivers a 
speech of congratulations, and soldiers representing the army, navy, 
and air force parade with their flags.
  I wish our good companion, Israel, safety and security, prosperity 
and good fortune over the upcoming year. I vow to continue standing 
with you and working to ensure that the friendship between our two 
great nations remains strong.
  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
celebrate the 58th birthday of the State of Israel. Israel is an 
important ally of the United States and like our great country, Israel 
was founded by people seeking freedom from religious persecution. This 
persecution came in the form of the Holocaust--one of the most heinous 
events in recent history.
  The United States recognized Israel within 11 minutes of its creation 
as an independent nation; however, not all developments in Israel's 
infancy as a nation were welcome. Attacked in 1948 from all sides by 
surrounding Arab nations, Israel defeated its enemies but soon learned 
it would have to develop as a democratic nation while vigilantly 
patrolling its borders for foreign invaders.
  In addition to being a picturesque country located on the 
Mediterranean Sea, Israel is home to many religious sites that are 
sacred to people of the Muslim, Christian and Jewish faith. This 
concentration of Holy sites makes it all the more unfortunate that 
Israel and its people are the targets of so many terrorist attacks.
  Mr. Speaker, Israel and the United States have strong bilateral 
relations that I hope will continue to grow and strengthen in the years 
to come. I wish the people and the leaders of Israel best wishes, 
continued prosperity and a peaceful future.
  Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution 
congratulating Israel on the occasion of its 58 years of independence.
  On May 14, 1948, facing overwhelming odds and almost assured 
destruction by its Arab neighbors, Jews living in their ancestral 
homeland, survivors of the Holocaust and Jewish refugees from around 
the world gathered in a small room in Tel Aviv to announce the creation 
the Jewish state of Israel. 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.
  In 1948, years of Zionists' dreams culminated 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 the great surprise of many around the world, 
Israel survived the attack but at a heavy cost to the young nation.
  Today, 58 years after the creation of the state, Israel still 
struggles with an enemy who wishes to destroy it. In addition, just 
last January, the Palestinian people freely elected Hamas, a terrorist 
organization that strives for the destruction of the state of Israel, 
to run its government. Israel is a thriving democracy and one of the 
United States' strongest allies in the global 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.
  I stand today to congratulate Israel on its strong dedication to 
freedom and democracy throughout its 58 years of existence. I look 
forward to strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship and continuing to 
celebrate Israel's independence in years to come.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of our time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by

[[Page H1944]]

the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend 
the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 392, as 
amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will 
be postponed.

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