[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 57 (Thursday, April 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               ISRAEL'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2008

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is a special 
privilege for me today to honor the nation of Israel on its 60th 
birthday. As Israelis celebrate their country's 60th anniversary, the 
international community is celebrating with them 60 years of 
independence.
  In north Texas and in the 30th Congressional District of Texas, the 
Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, the Jewish Community Center of 
Dallas, Dallas Chapter of State of Israel Bonds, Dallas Chapter of 
Hadassah, Dallas Holocaust Museum, B'nai B'rith International, 
Congregation Beth El Binah, and other organizations have scheduled a 
series of events to commemorate this occasion.
  As someone with a great interest in Israel, Middle Eastern affairs, 
and world peace, I believe that the political transformations in this 
region during the past few years have been dramatic. We have come a 
long way, despite attempts by extreme factions to harm Israel and the 
cause of peace in the region.
  I would like to quote an excerpt from Israel's ``declaration of 
independence,'' published 50 years ago as the British mandate over the 
area drew to an end:

       We extend our hand in peace and neighbourliness to all the 
     neighbouring states and their peoples, and invite them to 
     cooperate with the independent Jewish nation for the common 
     good of all.

  It is in that spirit, and with that faith, that I will continue to 
work with this and the new administration to ensure the United States 
remains firm in its commitment to the security of Israel and to those 
principles necessary to guarantee the success of the Arab-Israeli peace 
process.

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