[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 59 (Monday, April 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING ISRAELI INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. MICHAEL E. McMAHON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2010

  Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, I would to like commend Israel on her 62nd 
Anniversary since her founding.
  Likewise, it is the 62nd Anniversary of the U.S.-Israel bond, which 
remains strong and indissoluble.
  Israel is our fellow democracy, our tried and true ally. Supporting 
it is essential to the stability ant future of the Middle East. In fact 
Israel is the only true democracy in the Middle East.
  In just 62 years a people that suffered at the hands of Hitler and 
European anti-Semitism built a nation. From the ashes of 6,000,000 who 
died in the Holocaust a people a nation rose to make a desert bloom. In 
62 years Israel has made tremendous strides becoming a world leader in 
technology, agriculture, water resource management, healthcare, 
pharmaceuticals and so many other areas. The first generation of Sabras 
from Europe quickly welcomed new immigrants who were forcibly evicted 
from Arab lands. Further waves of immigrants came from the breakup of 
the Soviet Union, from Ethiopia and most recently from France. Israel 
has held steadfast to the principles of its founding fathers and been a 
welcome source for any Jew anywhere in the world seeking refuge.
  From the creation of Israel 62 years ago and its immediate 
recognition by the United States, the ties between our two countries 
continue to be strong. A democracy like ours, Israel's politics have 
been robust with many participants and many parties represented. 
Consistently throughout it history through wars and in times of 
relative peace, the Israeli people have made their democracy stronger 
and the relationship between the world's largest Jewish community and 
the world's largest diaspora community stronger.
  And any nation or group that chooses to treat Israel as a suspect 
state and threatens Israel, particularly with violence, should know 
that its actions ultimately do damage to the shared values that all 
democracies espouse.
  Following the failed Iranian elections in June, the Iranian regime 
has had its legitimacy wounded and its paranoia increased. Iran now 
takes a posture of increased repression at home and antagonism abroad. 
In that dangerous environment, Israel's leaders have every right to be 
concerned for their country's safety.
  While hope still exists for a free Iran, Europe, Israel and the 
United States must undoubtedly prepare for a more dangerous Iranian 
regime in the near term. We must prevent Iran's increased pursuit of 
nuclear weapons through hard-hitting sanctions, after all, I personally 
look forward to celebrating many more anniversaries with Israel.
  There seems to be a certain line of thinking in the international 
community that Iran poses no threat.
  It is this very failure to prepare that puts Israel and the entire 
international community at risk. Now is the time to prepare.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge this Congress and the United States to make the 
Iranian regime pay a higher cost for its nuclear weapons pursuit.
  If we needed any further reminder, the protests in the streets of 
Tehran have made clear that words mean very little to Ayatollah 
Khamenei.
  The threat from Iran demands an effective policy response and our 
Israeli friends must see clear action from their age-old ally that, we 
are in this together.
  If the Iranian regime faced damaging economic pressure from a 
significant reduction in gasoline supplies, it may change course.
  And an ever present threat to Israel, and to global security, may be 
alleviated. Nothing endangers peace more than a refusal to face facts.
  Even as we set deadlines that are never met with Iran might begin, 
let's remember that they continue to enrich uranium and that a deadline 
with real consequences must be considered along with engagement--
otherwise engagement will be manipulated as a mere tactic for delay.
  I am glad that this House chose to face Iran today through voting to 
instruct conferees on the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability 
and Divestment Act and support Israel, the Middle East and even the 
Gulf states against a growing threat in the region.
  I have high hopes that the international community will do the same.
  Once again, I congratulate, Prime Minister Netanyahu and the people 
of Israel our friend and ally on this momentous occasion.
  The U.S. was there ten minutes following Israel's founding and will 
be with her for many, many more years to come.

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