[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E702]
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. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 22, 2008

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Con. Res. 322, recognizing the 60th anniversary of the founding 
of the modern State of Israel and reaffirming the bonds of close 
friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel. I 
would like to thank my distinguished colleague from California, Speaker 
of the House, Representative Nancy Pelosi and Chairman of the House 
Foreign Affairs Committee, Representative Howard Berman for their 
leadership on this important issue.
  Today, Israel celebrates its 60th birthday, or its Day of 
Independence. This is a very special day for this country, where 
citizens live in a constant state of unknown, but are united for their 
love for the state. In addition to birthday greetings, I want to wish 
Israel the best of luck in its continued attempts to make peace this 
upcoming year.
  Israel was created in 1948; it took President Truman only 11 minutes 
to recognize the new Jewish State. Since then, it has come to exist as 
the only true democracy in the Middle East. Israel and the United 
States have many of the same foundations of government: Freedom of 
religion, free speech, basic human rights, the rule of law and being a 
nation of immigration and diversity. Israel has provided a unique 
opportunity for Jews from all over the world to reestablish their 
ancient homeland. In addition, it is a home to many religious sites 
which are sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and attracts 
visitors every year.
  Israel provided a refuge to Jews who survived the horrors of the 
Holocaust and the evils committed by the Nazis which were unprecedented 
in human history. The people of Israel have established a unique, 
pluralistic democracy which includes the freedoms cherished by the 
people of the United States, including freedom of speech, freedom of 
religion, freedom of association, freedom of the press, and government 
by the consent of the governed.
  Israel continues to serve as a shining model of democratic values by 
regularly holding free and fair elections, promoting the free exchange 
of ideas, and vigorously exercising in its Parliament, the Knesset, a 
democratic government that is fully representative of its citizens.
  I want to applaud the Government of Israel for successfully working 
with the neighboring Governments of Egypt and Jordan to establish 
peaceful, bilateral relations. I have had the privilege of visiting 
Israel, and hearing firsthand how the government is taking great 
strides to ensure peace for generations to come.
  Mr. Speaker, this important legislation recognizes the 60th 
anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel and reaffirms 
the bonds of close friendship and cooperation between the United States 
and Israel. I am proud to join 201 of my colleagues in cosponsoring 
this important legislation. For these reasons, I support H. Con. Res. 
322 and urge all Members to do the same. The United States and Israel 
enjoy a strategic partnership based on shared mutual democratic values, 
friendship, and respect. The people of the United States share affinity 
with the people of Israel and view Israel as a strong and trusted ally. 
I hope this friendship continues to grow and blossom for decades to 
come, as Israel settles itself in a firm place on our global map.

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