[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 66 (Thursday, April 24, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E730]
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. VIRGINIA FOXX

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 22, 2008

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, as a proud cosponsor of House Concurrent 
Resolution 322, which recently passed the House of Representatives, on 
the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the modern State of Israel, I 
wish to take an opportunity to reflect on this truly monumental event. 
Since the time of its creation 60 years ago, Israel has served as an 
example of democracy and equal rights for her neighbors. Israel has 
also proved to be steadfast ally to the United States in a variety of 
ways, particularly within our country's diplomatic efforts in the 
Middle East.
  Since its founding in 1948, the modern State of Israel has served as 
a democratic anchor in the Middle East. Like the United States, the 
Israeli Declaration of Independence protects freedom of speech, freedom 
of religion, a free press, free elections, and many other tenets of a 
free society. Israel established a democracy in the midst of a 
politically tumultuous region and by guaranteeing the basic rights of 
her citizens, sets herself apart from her authoritarian neighbors.
  Israel prides herself on women's rights and equal pay for women in 
the workforce. The first female Prime Minister, Golda Meir, was elected 
in 1969, just 21 years after the formation of modern Israel. Women now 
serve as the foreign minister, speaker of the Knesset, and chief 
justice of the Israeli Supreme Court. Furthermore, Israel has 
recognized the necessity of providing equal rights regardless of gender 
or race and deserves to be commended.
  Not only is Israel an example for her neighbors as a thriving 
democracy, where citizens' rights are protected through the rule of 
law, she has also been an avid supporter in the global war on terror. 
The U.S. and Israel are continually working together to develop 
sophisticated military technology and improve Israel's defense systems 
and soldier protection. In the interest of global freedom I hope, and 
am confident that, this friendship will continue in the future.
  It is with great joy that I extend my best wishes for the 60th 
anniversary of the modern State of Israel and wish them a prosperous 
future.

                          ____________________