[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E694-E695]
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. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 22, 2008

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support of H. Con. Res. 322, a resolution celebrating Israel's 60th 
anniversary. I am proud to have been a cosponsor of this resolution.
  Israel proclaimed its statehood on May 14, 1948. On its first day of 
existence, the armies of five neighboring Arab countries declared war 
on Israel. The war for independence lasted about a year and resulted in 
armistice separate agreements, but not before 6,000 Israeli lives were 
lost.
  Within 8 months of independence and before the war ended, Israel held 
its first national elections. Eighty-five percent of all eligible 
voters cast their ballots to create the first 120-seat Knesset or 
Parliament.
  A state founded by refugees of and survivors of religious 
persecution, Israel has been and continues to be one of America's 
closest and most consistent allies.
  This desert nation exists in a region that is, unfortunately, as 
steeped in violence as it is rich in history and tradition. We must do 
all that we can to ensure the security of the State of Israel and its 
people. Just as the United States is vital to the survival of Israel, I 
believe Israel is also vital to the survival of the United States. Our 
countries are linked together on so many levels.
  Unfortunately, today, Israel has new and increasing threats to its 
security. Palestinian rockets have been fired from Gaza and hit Israeli 
communities on an almost daily basis. More than 200,000 Israeli 
citizens are within range of these Palestinian rockets. One of the 
saddest aspects of the terrorism situation in Israel is that it grabs 
the newspaper headlines and distracts the world from seeing the many 
advances made by Israel in democracy and human rights, science, 
agriculture, transportation, and so many other areas.
  Despite nearly impossible odds, Israel's will to survive and her 
people's dogged determination have resulted in the development of a 
thriving democracy in one of the globe's least democratic regions. In 
fact, in only 60 years Israel has grown into a mature democracy that 
has produced some of the finest thinkers, scientists and entrepreneurs 
of the modem era.
  We must never forget the conditions that, in many respects, laid the 
foundation for the creation of the State of Israel. After one of the 
most horrific atrocities in human history, the Holocaust, Israel was 
established as a home to a nearly decimated people. It is often said 
that we must ``never forget'' the horrors and the lessons of the 
Holocaust. And since April is Holocaust Remembrance month, this is an 
appropriate time to reaffirm our unyieldingly strong obligation to our 
friend and ally and vow to ``never forget'' our commitment to Israel.
  The United States and the all of the nations of the world have a 
moral responsibility to ensure and support the existence of the State 
of Israel.
  H. Con. Res. 322 recognizes the historical significance of Israel's 
60th anniversary, supports Israel as it continues to pursue peace

[[Page E695]]

with its neighbors, commends the people of Israel for helping to create 
a thriving democracy, and acknowledges the strong bonds that exist 
between the two countries.
  I urge all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating Israel on 
its 60th anniversary and wish her a safe and prosperous future. Support 
H. Con. Res. 322.

                          ____________________