[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 65 (Thursday, May 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     ISRAEL'S 63RD INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2011

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Israel on the celebration of its 63rd Independence Day. I am a strong 
supporter of the State of Israel and believe in its right to exist as a 
Jewish and democratic state with secure and recognized borders.
  As our strongest democratic ally in the Middle East, Israel is a 
crucial friend of the United States, and its continued strength and 
stability are in our nation's best interest.
  The past several years have been a challenging time for Israel. 
Israel continues to face danger on many fronts, from the ongoing threat 
of terrorism to the potential rise of a nuclear-armed Iran. Peace and 
stability in Israel and the Middle East at large are still a 
possibility. Despite recent events with Fatah and Hamas, I hope that 
Palestinian authorities will be willing to come to the table and 
negotiate peace with their Israeli neighbors. I trust that new 
commitments and agreements are reached that enable these two states to 
live peacefully with one another.
  I will continue to advocate for policies that make Israel more secure 
and work to alleviate the tensions in the Middle East, and I urge my 
colleagues to join me. As a member of the Israel Allies Caucus, I have 
been an active advocate for Israel and its people. I know the people of 
Israel want to live in peace with their Palestinian neighbors, and I 
will push for continued American engagement in the peace process. 
Together, the United States and Israel will continue to work in 
partnership to bring peace and security to the Middle East.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in congratulating Israel on their 63rd Independence Day.

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