[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E592-E593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     U.S.-ISRAEL FRIENDSHIP IMPORTANT ON ISRAEL'S INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2010

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, Today is Yom Ha'atzmaut--Israel's 
Independence Day. On this day, Israelis celebrate the establishment of 
the State of Israel as a place of refuge and national homeland for the 
Jewish people.
  Although Jews have maintained a continuous presence in the Land of 
Israel for more than 3,000 years, it was not until 1948 that they 
reestablished a state in their traditional land. Since that time, 
Israel has faced many challenges to its existence. Neighboring Arab

[[Page E593]]

nations have launched wars against Israel and attempted to cripple its 
economy through boycotts. Terrorists have attacked repeatedly, killing 
civilians and soldiers alike. Iranian leaders have threatened to ``wipe 
Israel off the map'' and are steadily moving toward acquiring the means 
to do so. Israel's enemies are engaged in a campaign to delegitimize 
the Jewish state.
  Even in the face of continual efforts to defeat and destroy Israel, 
the Jewish state has been successful in establishing more peaceful 
relations with its neighbors and making its people more secure. Israel 
has signed peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan. Its efforts to combat 
terrorism have resulted in a reduction in terrorist attacks--cutting 
that number in half since 2006. Israel also continues to seek peace 
with the Palestinians.
  Despite overwhelming odds, Israel has not only survived, but it has 
flourished for the past 62 years. Israel has established a 
representative democracy with an independent judicial system and strong 
rule of law. Its citizens are free to worship and speak as they wish.
  Israel has also established itself as a world leader in technological 
innovation. Despite more than half its land being desert, Israelis have 
``made the desert bloom,'' growing food for consumption and export. Its 
universities are first-rate, producing new generations of artists, 
entrepreneurs, scientists and doctors. And, despite its size, Israel 
produces more start ups than many larger nations. In fact, there are 
more Israeli companies than European companies listed on the NASDAQ 
exchange.
  Israel is also a nation that cares about the fate of others. 
Immediately after learning of the devastating earthquake in Haiti this 
January, Israel sent hundreds of its citizens to treat the injured and 
search for survivors. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported after the 
earthquake that only an estimated 25 Jews lived in Haiti. But, that 
didn't stop Israel from committing manpower and money to do everything 
it could to save and preserve all life in Haiti.
  Through struggles and achievements both, the United States has stood 
by Israel's side. Our nations share many of the same values and are 
partners in an effort to build a better world.
  There are those that argue, however, that the United States would be 
better off if we distanced ourselves from Israel, if we weakened our 
alliance. I am here to say that this would be the worst thing we could 
do. The United States and Israel are both stronger when we work 
together against common threats. Economic and cultural ties between our 
two nations enrich the lives of Americans and Israelis. Our friendship 
is important and must remain strong.
  Today, on Israel's Independence Day, I commend the people of Israel 
for their many remarkable achievements, congratulate them as they 
celebrate their 62nd anniversary of independence, and look forward to 
many more years of friendship and cooperation between our two nations.

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