[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 63 (Tuesday, April 28, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       61ST ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAEL

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                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 28, 2009

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize 
the 61st anniversary of the founding of the modern state of Israel. 
Israel has been one of our strongest allies and I am thankful for the 
bond of friendship and cooperation that we share. After all, our two 
countries have many historic similarities. We both have faced war and 
fought for peace and freedom. We both continue to pursue liberty 
despite ongoing opposition.
  For 2,000 years, most Jews had been scattered around the world, often 
enduring intense persecution and discrimination. After World War II, 
the Jewish people desired to return to their ancient homeland and live 
in the land that had once belonged to their forefathers. The Holocaust 
revived their desire to form a new state, even though the land of their 
ancestors was merely a dry, almost barren terrain.
  After winning independence, the Israelis amazingly transformed the 
wilderness into a site of thriving agriculture production. One Jewish 
scientist developed the first surface drip irrigation system and this 
discovery has transformed irrigation practices across the world. 
Scientists in Israel have also developed fruits and vegetables that are 
resistant to disease.
  Not only has Israel been the source of agricultural improvements, but 
it has also partnered with the U.S. in several scientific initiatives. 
As the representative of New Jersey's Fifth District, which is home to 
many small farms that help make up the Garden State, I am grateful for 
how Israel has pioneered numerous agricultural initiatives.
  I am also grateful for how Israel has been an example to other 
countries. I have many Jewish friends and I am always impressed by how 
they value freedom. It is free markets and free thinking that enable 
new inventions, and these inventions in turn help future generations to 
prosper. As Israel celebrates this 61st anniversary, I encourage my 
constituents to reflect on the achievements of the past as we work to 
better our children's future.

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