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




         SUPPORTING COMMEMORATION OF ISRAEL'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. JOHN J. HALL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 2008

  Mr. HALL of New York. Madam Speaker, I am pleased that I have the 
opportunity to rise today in strong support and commemoration of the 
60th anniversary of Israel. It is an honor to be able to speak on 
behalf of a country born in the aftermath of tragedy, erected against 
formidable odds, and yet has prevailed to become a beacon of hope and 
an example of the prevailing strength of liberty and freedom.
  Israel was not simply established, it was built. It was built through 
the toil, strife and resolve of the Jewish people and upon the premise 
of hope--hope that even in the wake of the ashes of the holocaust, 
goodness can prevail. And indeed, as we commemorate Israel's 60th 
birthday, we can see that goodness has prevailed.
  In many ways, the path of Israel has mimicked that of the United 
States. It is in no way perfect and makes its fair share of mistakes. 
However, it is part of the same experiment of democracy, and built upon 
the notion of a state becoming a light unto other nations. In our 
century, the partnership between Israel and the United States has 
conjoined to thwart the existence of terrorism, advance the frontiers 
of human knowledge, and make an indelible contribution to the human 
condition.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to foster the United States' 
alliance and friendship with this great nation to join me in wishing 
Israel a very happy 60th anniversary.

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