[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E691-E692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING ISRAELI INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2010

  Mr. MARKEY of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 
62nd anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, our great ally 
and friend.
  Over 60 years ago, Israel's pioneers began to revitalize an ancient 
land. Today, Israelis remain pioneers at heart--pioneers for 
prosperity, democracy and progress. They are once again facing 
challenges in their homeland with determination and a vision for a 
better future for their children and for their country.
  But even as we celebrate the founding of the State of Israel, we know 
that while sovereign independence is necessary, it is not sufficient--
security of the State's people is also of paramount importance. The 
Jewish homeland must be kept safe, surrounded by neighbors who respect 
its right to exist in peace. Through sacrifice, ingenuity and 
innovation, Israel has managed to thrive for 62 years in a dangerous 
and unstable region of the world. Let us hope that the conflicts that 
have marked the difficult decades since Israel's founding will subside 
in the years to come.
  Indeed, Prime Minister Golda Meir believed that one day there would 
be peace in Israel, because there are mothers and grandmothers--and let 
me add fathers and grandfathers--in Egypt, in Jordan, in Syria and the 
Palestinian territories who also want their children and grandchildren 
to live in peace. Today is an opportunity to both acknowledge history 
and look to the future. I am hopeful that someday soon Israel and its 
neighbors will finally find the keys to a peaceful future side-by-side 
in mutual security, and the conflict in the Middle East becomes 
relegated to the history books.

[[Page E692]]

  I congratulate the State of Israel on its 62nd anniversary, and offer 
my sincere wish for its peaceful and productive future.

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