[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 76 (Thursday, May 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E876-E877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF ISRAEL'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 2008

  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60th 
anniversary of Yom Ha'atzmaut--Israel's Independence Day, to 
congratulate the Israeli people on their significant accomplishment, 
and to celebrate the strong U.S.-Israel relationship.
  As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I very much appreciate the 
important role that Israel plays in the world for the Jewish people. On 
May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was created providing a new homeland 
and safe haven for those who most recently had survived the Holocaust 
and for Jews before and since who had been scattered throughout the 
world after a millennia of conflict, discrimination, and persecution.
  I am proud that the United States was one of the first countries to 
recognize Israel. Today, the U.S.-Israel relationship continues to be 
strong. And I pledge to work with our trusted ally to pursue a stable 
and peaceful Middle East, which assures safety and security for the 
State of Israel.
  In the quest for peace in the Middle East, the United States has no 
stronger partner than Israel. As the Middle East's only democratic 
country, Israel is an important example for other countries in the 
region. It has free elections, a free press, and protection of minority 
rights. It is a strong and vibrant democracy and a trusted friend.
  Maintaining a democratic society has not been easy. Israel has 
endured neighbors that have attempted to wipe it off of the map, and it 
continues to face threats from terrorist organizations which oppose 
Israel's existence and seek to disrupt any possibility of a peaceful 
coexistence for all people.
  Even today as Israel seeks security within its borders and peace with 
its neighbors, radical extremists attack its citizens with daily

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rocket barrages. It is crucially important that we stand by our friend 
and ally, now and in the future.
  It is important to note that support for Israel is an issue that 
Democrats and Republicans here in Congress consistently work on in a 
bipartisan manner. Our willingness to work together sends a strong 
message internationally that the United States is committed to our 
friend and partner, Israel.
  Madam Speaker, it is truly an honor to stand by Israel and I know my 
colleagues join me in expressing Mazel Tov to all Israelis for a 
remarkable 60 years and wish Israel and its people a safe and secure 
future.

                          ____________________