[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 51 (Wednesday, May 3, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING 58TH ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                               speech of

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 2, 2006

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 58th 
anniversary of Israel Independence Day, Yom Ha'atzmaut.
  On this day in 1948, the U.N. mandate regarding Great Britain's 
control over the land of Israel ended and the people of Israel declared 
the existence of the independent democratic state of Israel.
  In a democratic nation, Independence Day is created to celebrate the 
values and freedoms democratic nations hold dear. However, it should 
also be a day for reflection on the sacrifice required to ensure the 
continuation and protection of those freedoms. In fact, in Israel, on 
the day proceeding Independence Day, Israelis honor Yom Hazikaron or 
Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers. The link between the two is clear: 
Israelis owe a debt, and the existence of the state, to the soldiers 
who sacrificed their lives for it. On this day Israel Independence Day, 
I also ask for a moment of introspection to honor those who, whether 
Israeli or American, have fallen to defend their nation and to defend 
democracy.
  The United States has long been a supporter of Israel and her 
policies as a defender of democratic freedoms in the Middle East. 
Israel is our nation's strongest ally and only truly democratic partner 
in the Middle East.
  With the continuing War on Terror, our alliance with Israel is more 
important than ever. In more than 100 instances in the past 58 years, 
our countries have stood together in the face of great turmoil. Today, 
I reinforce the unshakeable commitment of the United States to the 
safety and security of Israel and her reciprocal commitment to our 
security. While the times and the circumstances continue to change, the 
commitment we have made in the past 58 years to building peace and 
stability has fostered a bond between our nations that shall never be 
broken.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand here today to 
recognize Israeli Independence Day and to recognize Israel's commitment 
to democracy in the Middle East. The common values we share: a 
government of the people, by the people, and for the people, are the 
core values on which democracy is based.

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