[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E706-E707]
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. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 22, 2008

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 322, 
recognizing the 60th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of 
Israel on May 14th. Since its inception, Israel has been a close friend 
and ally of the United States, promoting democratic values in the 
Middle East. As we celebrate this anniversary, let us reflect upon the 
struggles that have come in the past and that are to come in the 
future. From them we can glean a sober hope for the continued peace and 
prosperity of Israel and the United States.

[[Page E707]]

  Israel's first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, was aware of 
hostility to the goals of Zionism, but sought that Jews and 
Palestinians live in peaceful coexistence in his newly formed state. 
Unfortunately, radicalism and resistance for this peaceful goal only 
hardened. The many conflicts that ensued, from the Six Day War to the 
Second Infitada, has made life difficult for all Israelis.
  Today, Israel is taking serious steps in hopes of reaching a peace 
agreement with the Palestinians. In the West Bank, Israel is removing 
roadblocks and evacuating outposts in order to strengthen Palestinian 
President Abbas so the Palestinian Authority is capable of implementing 
a treaty. Unfortunately, in Gaza the militant group Hamas is engaged in 
the broadest and most significant military buildup in its history with 
help from Syria and Iran. Hamas is restructuring more hierarchically 
and using more and more powerful weapons, such as longer-range rockets 
against Israel's southern communities.
  The most serious threats that Israel faces are external. Two weeks 
ago, Iran announced that they had dramatically increased its capacity 
to enrich uranium with the installation of 6,000 new centrifuges. In 
doing so, Iran continued to defy not only the United States but the 
international community as well. The United States and Israel must 
continue to provide a united front against this regime, while still 
reaching out to its people, in order to protect the citizens of both 
countries and prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
  With the Arab population in Israel estimated to outnumber Jewish 
Israelis in the near future, building a lasting peace has never been 
more necessary to the continued existence of Israel. Fortunately, 
Israel's economy is strong and growing and the Israeli government is 
committed to a peaceful solution based upon political realities.
  Our greatest hopes lay in the strength of the alliance between Israel 
and the Untied States and in the inherent rightness of the democratic 
values that both countries promote. That is why I am proud to stand in 
support of H. Con. Res. 322 and celebrate the 60th Anniversary of 
Israel, and I look forward to the continued role as an advocate for 
democracy in the Middle East.

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