[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 58 (Thursday, April 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING ISRAELI INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                               speech of

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2010

  Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the citizens of 
Israel and all Jewish-Americans as they celebrate Israel's 62nd 
Independence Day.
  Israel and its citizens have demonstrated tremendous resilience in 
the face of constant threats to their personal and national security. 
The United States has no stronger ally in the Middle East than Israel. 
The special relationship between the U.S. and Israel is rooted in our 
common commitment to democratic values and shared vision of 
establishing and maintaining a lasting peace in the region.
  Israel's Independence Day should serve as an occasion to renew our 
commitment to the long-term security of our cherished ally and reaffirm 
that a strong Israel is vital to our national interest and the 
stability of the Middle East.
  Daniel Kutner, Consul General of Israel to the Mid-Atlantic Region of 
the United States, will welcome supporters of Israel to the annual 
Independence Day Ceremony on April 26, 2010 at the Museum of Archeology 
and Anthropology in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing 
the citizens of Israel and all Jewish-Americans as they commemorate 
this extremely special milestone and expressing unwavering support for 
the security and stability of this shining beacon of democracy in a 
turbulent Middle East.

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