[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 OS 
                                 ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 22, 2008

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, today we recognize the 60th 
anniversary of the creation of Israel. On May 14, 1948, thousands of 
volunteer Yishuv fighters led by David Ben-Gurion celebrated as the 
Jewish Agency declared Israel an independent nation in accordance with 
the 1947 U.N. partition plan. The difficult months of fighting ahead 
were only eased by the knowledge that the volunteer army was fighting 
for its new and independent nation. U.S. President Harry S. Truman 
immediately recognized Israel as a sovereign and independent nation 
forging a bond between our two great democracies that has been one of 
mutual support and friendship ever since.
  The people of Israel have, over the 60 years since Israel has become 
an independent state, established a vibrant democratic political 
system, including freedom of speech, association, and religion; a 
vigorously free press; free, fair and open elections; the rule of law; 
a fully independent judiciary; and other democratic principles and 
practices. Israel has developed an advanced, entrepreneurial economy, 
and is among the world's leaders in the high-tech industry. Israel has 
also bravely defended itself from numerous military attacks and acts of 
terrorism.
  I stand with my colleagues and with my nation to celebrate the 60 
years of a special relationship based on mutually shared democratic 
values, common strategic interests, and bonds of friendship and mutual 
respect. I am a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 322 that was introduced by 
Speaker Pelosi to celebrate this important milestone. On this occasion 
I also want to highlight the efforts that Israel and its leaders have 
made to make a lasting peace with its neighbors. I would like to extend 
my warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Israeli people for a 
peaceful, prosperous, and successful future.

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