[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 29, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E756]
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. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 22, 2008

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I support H. Con. Res. 322, a 
resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of the founding of the 
modern State of Israel, which occurred on May 14, 1948. On November 29, 
1947, the United Nations General Assembly voted to partition the 
British Mandate of Palestine and create a Jewish state. On May 14, 
1948, the people of Israel proclaimed the establishment of the 
sovereign and independent State of Israel. That date marked the success 
of a continuous struggle for a homeland for the world's Jewish 
population and laid the foundation for a free and independent state and 
a symbol of joy and protection for a people that have been--for too 
long--on the receiving end of oppression, discrimination, and 
injustice.
  Since its independence, Israel has bravely defended itself from 
repeated attacks. Over the last 60 years, the modern State of Israel 
has built a nation, forged a new and dynamic democracy, and created a 
thriving economic, political, cultural and intellectual society. The 
people of Israel have established a pluralistic, democratic political 
system, including freedom of speech, association, and religion; a free 
press; free and open elections; the rule of law; and a fully 
independent judiciary. Their efforts and achievements have led the 
American people to feel a strong affinity for the Israeli people based 
on common values and shared cultural heritage.
  This week, Jewish people around the world are celebrating the Jewish 
holiday of Passover. Passover commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and 
the liberation of the Israelites from slavery. It is traditional for a 
Jewish family to gather on the first night of Passover for a special 
dinner called a Seder. While many Jewish holidays revolve around the 
synagogue, the Seder is conducted in the family home. It is customary 
to invite guests, especially strangers and the needy to share with 
their fellow human beings the story of struggle, poverty, oppression, 
and survival. I had the pleasure of attending a Seder in Houston with 
Pastor Kirby John Caldwell and his wife Suzette.
  The story of Passover should have a special meaning this year to 
those who seek to support individuals around the world who suffer from 
poverty, slavery, and injustice. Let the celebration of the founding of 
Israel be a symbol to the world of how a people who have experienced 
oppression and violence can rise to be strong, free and independent.
  I am proud to support H. Con. Res. 322, a resolution recognizing the 
60th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel.




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