[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 58 (Thursday, April 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING ISRAELI INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2010

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the 62nd 
anniversary of one of our country's most steadfast and supportive 
allies: Israel.
  Since Israel's declaration of independence in 1948, Jews from all 
over the world have moved there to put down roots, flourish, and 
participate in a Jewish state and society. Israel has grown from a 
country that provided a refuge for Jews who survived unprecedented 
horrors and anti-Semitic persecution to a nation with a strong and 
enduring tradition of democracy and liberal governance.
  Israel was born out of war and conflict, and has weathered constant 
threats from beyond its borders since its creation. The history of 
Israel is one of a nation small in size but large in its dedication to 
the enduring principles of democratic governance, liberal democracy, 
and national unity. It is a testament to the character and inner 
strength of the Israeli people that their country continues to develop 
and flourish even as it is surrounded by so many who unjustly wish to 
see it dissolved and destroyed.
  The nation of Israel is a friend of the poor and dispossessed around 
the world. It has sent humanitarian aid and emergency medical supplies 
to war zones in Rwanda; disaster areas in Turkey, the Indian Ocean, and 
along the Gulf Coast; and to fire-scorched areas in Greece. Most 
recently, Israel supplied much-needed support and relief to the people 
of Haiti, including deploying the Israel Defense Forces on aid missions 
and contributing millions of dollars to help the Haitian people rebuild 
their country.
  It is clear that Israel's national mission is a higher calling than 
mere survival or self-perpetuation. It is an example to the world of 
the power of a determined national spirit, a citizenry dedicated to 
justice, and a set of founding principles that cannot be corrupted.
  From the moment the United States recognized the State of Israel 11 
minutes after its creation in 1948, Israel has proven to be a loyal 
partner with which the United States enjoys a mutually beneficial 
alliance. The advances made by our two countries in educational, 
scientific, and technological fields help to make the world a better 
place, and augment our intelligence and security partnerships in a 
crucial region of the world.
  I join with many of my colleagues in the U.S. House of 
Representatives in highlighting my admiration for what the nation of 
Israel has accomplished in the last sixty-two years. It is my hope that 
the people of Israel use this anniversary as an opportunity to set a 
path forward that will help bring peace and prosperity to themselves 
and to their region for the next several years.

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