[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 75 (Wednesday, May 7, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E837]
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

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TODD RUSSELL PLATTS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 7, 2008

  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, on May 14, 1948, the dream of the 
restoration of a sovereign and independent State of Israel was 
realized. On that day, a mere 11 minutes following the declaration by 
Israel's Government, the United States officially recognized the 
Israeli state--extending a hand of friendship and support which has not 
once been withdrawn. Today, 60 years following that historic occasion, 
I rise to commemorate Israel's independence and congratulate the 
Israeli people on their dedicated efforts toward establishing a 
flourishing and thriving state.
  Israel is currently the only fully established democracy in the 
Middle East, having free elections, a free press, freedom of religion, 
and the separation of powers. In addition, Israel is home to several of 
the leading universities in the world--spurring on its advanced economy 
with an emphasis in the technology sector. Israel's political, 
cultural, and economic success has not been easy, however, being 
attained in the face of war, ongoing terrorist attacks, and unfair 
boycotts against Israeli businesses.
  I first visited Israel with five other members of Congress in 2003 
and was struck by the degree to which ordinary Israelis were under the 
constant threat of terrorist attacks. Homes had bulletproof windows, 
security guards and metal detectors were necessities in most public 
places, and the threat of suicide bombings was a daily reality.
  I am confident that terrorist attacks and other roadblocks to 
Israel's security and prosperity will not serve to undermine the 
resolve of Israel's people. Instead, these attacks will only increase 
the vigor with which the Israeli people defend their commonly held 
values of justice, freedom, and democracy.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize the 
60th anniversary of the State of Israel, and sincerely hope that Israel 
will in the coming years finally attain the lasting peace its people 
have long desired.

                          ____________________