[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 66 (Thursday, April 24, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E739]
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

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                               speech of

                        HON. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 22, 2008

  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate Israel as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. Israel is 
not only a close military ally and trade partner, it is also a true 
friend of the United States.
  The United States shares Israel's commitment to peace and freedom. We 
share a commitment to democracy, the Rule of Law and we share a culture 
that honors life--not that glamorizes death. Perhaps more than any 
other people, Israel understands the insidiousness of evil and the need 
for good people to remain vigilant against it. We share a great deal, 
Madam Speaker. It is no accident that the United States and Israel are 
such great friends.
  Despite frequent and cowardly attacks, this young country has 
withstood every missile, every grenade, every car bomb, every suicide 
bomber. Israel has weathered the violence of terrorist groups such as 
Hamas and Hezbollah, which have vowed Israel's destruction and which 
receive copious funding from Iran and Syria. Israel must combat these 
constant and cowardly attacks, but rarely does the world acknowledge 
the restraint shown by Israel in defending itself, trying always to 
wage this war of survival with reverence for innocent life.
  While rockets rain down on Israel from terrorists operating in Gaza, 
Israel continues to allow the delivery of food and medicines across the 
Gaza border. Although Hamas seizes humanitarian aid for its own 
nefarious uses and exploits humanitarian vehicles to smuggle weapons 
and explosives, Israel continues to allow aid to flow across its border 
with Gaza. While Israel's enemies purposely target the innocent, Israel 
responds with tactical strikes against terrorists, their weapons bases, 
and their command centers to protect the innocent. While the forces of 
extremism and terrorism continue to barrage freedom-loving people in 
Israel and around the globe, I am heartened to see that the forces of 
evil have failed to destroy the basic goodness of those who struggle 
against terror so that they may live in peace and freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of Israel's 60th anniversary, I am 
honored to have this opportunity to congratulate Israel for its 
tremendous contributions to the world and to express my profound 
gratitude for Israel's unwavering friendship with the United States.

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