[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 20, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H4283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CELEBRATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAEL

  (Mrs. BIGGERT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the anniversary 
of America's staunchest ally in the Middle East, Israel. After 60 
years, Israel has proved that a nation that embraces liberty and 
democracy can flourish in the face of even the strongest adversity. 
Despite decades of violence and terrorist attacks, the Israeli people 
have achieved an outstanding level of economic, intellectual, and 
cultural success.
  Among its most notable achievements has been its well-earned 
reputation as a free sanctuary for millions of refugees from around the 
world. No other nation in the Middle East has embraced a diverse array 
of oppressed people like Israel. Over the last 60 years, individuals 
from more than 100 countries have traveled there and found a welcome 
home. And, as in America, this great diversity has created a vibrant 
culture, one that I have enjoyed on several occasions.
  In Israel, I have seen firsthand the impressive contributions 
Israelis have made to the world in areas from scholarship and 
engineering to cooking and music.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the people of Israel on 
this historic achievement. Their efforts have created for America a 
powerful ally and a dynamic trading partner, and I'm confident that our 
close relationship will remain strong for many years to come.

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