[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE MODERN STATE OF 
                                 ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 22, 2008

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico.  Mr. Speaker, roughly 60 years ago today, 
Harry Truman had a problem.
  After 2,000 years as ``strangers in a strange land,'' the Jewish 
people were about to establish a homeland in the land of their fathers. 
Many Americans believed that our Nation would support the aspirations 
of the Jewish people. However, President Truman's own Secretary of 
State threatened to vote against the President in the next election if 
Truman backed Israel.
  At midnight on May 14, 1948, Israel declared independence. Eleven 
minutes later, America recognized the new state. Truman's act of 
courage created an essential and vital bond. Every American Government 
since that day has recognized America's special relationship with 
Israel.
  Since 1948, Israel has shown the world true courage and perseverance. 
They have made the desert bloom, fended off countless acts of 
aggression and built a lasting testament to the potential for democracy 
and freedom in the Middle East. Today, Israeli citizens speak dozens of 
languages and come from hundreds of countries. They include war-scarred 
Holocaust survivors, refugees from the ghettos of the Eastern Bloc and 
young pioneers from the New World. What they share is a common love of 
their country and commitment to their people. Like America, Israel has 
turned its diversity into a source of strength and pride.
  In New Mexico, we have a great deal of respect for those who make the 
desert bloom. Israel now ranks as New Mexico's 11th leading trade 
partner and since 1996, we have exported more than $490 million worth 
of goods to Israel. In 2006 alone, our State produced nearly $3 million 
in defense products for the Israeli military. Like those throughout New 
Mexico, I have consistently supported Israel's efforts to defend itself 
against terrorists and others who seek to harm her, and to seek peace 
with her neighbors.
  As we pass this resolution honoring the 60th Anniversary of Israeli 
Independence, I want to express my congratulations, my support, and my 
hope that the next 60 years will bring peace and prosperity to Israel 
and the region.

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