[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 78 (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E897]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO CELEBRATE THE 60TH BIRTHDAY OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL

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                             HON. BILL SALI

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 2008

  Mr. SALI. Madam Speaker, the 60th birthday of the State of Israel is 
a time of joyous celebration for all who honor hope, dignity and 
liberty.
  Since even before the First World War, Jewish people from all over 
the globe have traveled back to their historic homeland. The hope of a 
secure Jewish homeland was a dream worked for by so many for so long. 
From dispersion and oppression to bitter pogroms and on through the 
murderous horror of the Holocaust, the Jewish people have endured more 
than can be put into words.
  Still, through it all, they have persisted and persevered, 
maintaining their identity, traditions and faith.
  On that great day some 60 years ago, the State of Israel declared its 
independence. Only eleven minutes after Israel did so, President Harry 
Truman declared America's recognition of the new Jewish State. Since 
this time, all the leaders of the United States have expressed their 
support for the State of Israel, and the people of both countries have 
continually nurtured, promoted and developed their shared values and 
interests.
  President Bush recently made a public statement which summarizes my 
own views on Israel: ``The United States will never abandon its 
commitment to the security of Israel as a Jewish state and homeland for 
the Jewish people.''
  I am an uncompromising advocate for Israel's security and freedom. 
Anything which infringes upon the rights and welfare of the State of 
Israel is not in America's interests and must never be tolerated. I 
have served and will continue to serve proudly on the Congressional 
Israel Allies Caucus. I have co-sponsored legislation to protect this 
great nation through condemning ongoing Palestinian rocket attacks on 
innocent Israel civilians, anti-Semitic rhetoric and the glorification 
of terrorism.
  Support for Israel must remain central to American foreign policy. 
This support is especially essential given the threats Israel continues 
to face. The brutal terrorist organization Hamas is an ongoing threat 
to Israel's well-being. Iran continues to shake its potential nuclear 
sword against Israel, and Al-Qaeda fights for a foothold in Pakistan in 
order to spread its viral cruelty all the way to Jerusalem. Syria 
proudly maintains its hostility to the Jewish State, seeming only to be 
waiting for an opportune moment to pounce.
  We must always help Israel keep a well-armed guard up. To do less 
would be to breach our national interest and our national honor.
  For 60 years, the Israelis have strained and endured in their desert 
home, overcoming in several major wars, endless attacks and terrorism. 
Amazingly, out of all of this turmoil, pain, and violence, a home has 
bloomed out of the Middle Eastern sands for these wonderful individuals 
who only seek a home for themselves and their families.
  Sixty years is an anniversary well worth celebrating. While the pain 
of the past cannot be eradicated, nor can the courage, fortitude and 
hope of a people who have endured and triumphed, again and again.
  May we all join in the prayer of the 122nd Psalm:
     Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
     They that love thee shall prosper.
     Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.
     For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will say now, peace 
           be within thee.
     For the sake of the House of the Lord our God I will seek thy 
           good.
  I trust that all my colleagues will join me in saying ``amen'' to 
this prayer.

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