[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E700]
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. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 22, 2008

  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of 
Israel's 60th anniversary of Statehood.
  On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion announced to the world that the 
State of Israel had been created. This declaration was made in 
accordance with the United Nations Resolution 181 which was passed in 
November 1947. The creation of two states was proposed, one Jewish and 
one Palestinian. The new State of Israel established an opportunity for 
Ben-Gurion and other Zionists to realize a return to the ``promised 
land.''
  Although the new state would be tested immediately following its 
creation, its citizens, supporters and ideals would hold. Even at the 
conclusion of the first Arab-Israeli War, a constant barrage of state 
and non-state actors would seek to destroy this government. Sixty years 
later this battle continues, as the entire world copes with the 
challenging yet necessary task of respecting the beliefs of others and 
protecting the natural rights of all mankind.
  The ``land of milk and honey'' is significant not only for its 
ability to offer refuge to a people who have been persecuted for the 
past two millennia, but to also demonstrate the global communities' 
determination to right wrongs and to help their fellow man. Today there 
are close to 7 million individuals who inhabit Israel. Although the 
vast majority of those persons happen to be Jewish, there are also 
people who follow the Christian and Arab faiths. While there happens to 
be conflict currently between the Jewish and Muslim populations, the 
possibility of Israelis and Palestinians coexisting in peace is still 
feasible.
  As a Member of Congress, I have been blessed with the opportunity to 
visit Israel, to talk with those that live there and to see the success 
that it has become, There exists within the Eleventh Congressional 
District of Ohio and across the United States, a strong community of 
individuals who are committed to supporting our close ally. I am proud 
to consider myself a fellow advocate and look forward to supporting the 
State of Israel in the future.
  May the people and the government of Israel continue to enjoy their 
statehood and be blessed with peace.

                          ____________________