[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 51 (Wednesday, May 3, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E702-E703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING 58TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 2, 2006

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of this 
legislation, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Con. Res. 
392, to honor the 58th anniversary of the independence of the State of 
Israel. I would like to congratulate the Israeli people on this 
significant day, and join them in celebrating the 58th anniversary of 
the Jewish state.
  After nearly 2,000 years without a homeland, Jewish independence was 
restored with the creation of Israel in 1948. The creation of Israel 
gave the Jewish people a state in the land where their religion, 
culture, and history date back over 4,000 years.
  In the last 58 years, Israel has faced many struggles: conflicts with 
its neighbors, terrorism on its borders, and problems with many

[[Page E703]]

in the international community regarding the Palestinian people.
  Despite these struggles, Israel has grown from a state of less than a 
million people in 1948, to a state of over seven million today. The 
Israeli people have created one of the strongest democracies in the 
world, renowned for their scientific, technological, medical and 
agricultural innovations. Their commitment to promoting human rights, 
to protecting the rule of law, and to open and fair elections is 
unparallel in the region and is an inspiration to oppressed people 
around the globe.
  Today, 58 years after declaring its independence, Israel and the 
United States continue to share the common values and ideals of 
advancing democracy and promoting human rights around the globe. As our 
strongest ally in fighting terrorism, Israel, a country which has had 
to fight against terrorism and attacks from its neighbors for its 
entire existence, continues to play a vital role in promoting American 
interests.
  In return, we must continue to help Israel in its struggle for 
security by helping reach a lasting peace with its neighbors so that as 
future generations celebrate this day, they may do so without fear of 
the violence that has plagued the Jewish state since its independence.
  Mr. Speaker, I would again like to congratulate the Israeli people 
and join them in celebrating the 58th Anniversary of Israel's 
independence, and look forward to working with them for years to come.

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