[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 54 (Monday, April 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E526-E527]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             64TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MODERN STATE OF ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 16, 2012

  Mr. GARRETT. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to recognize the 64th 
anniversary of the establishment of the modern State of Israel.
  On May 14, 1948, the British Mandate for Palestine expired, and the 
Jewish People's Council approved the Declaration of the Establishment 
of the State of Israel. That document encapsulates centuries of hopes, 
hardships, dreams, persecutions, tenacity, and faith. And it signifies 
the fulfillment of the prayer of the Jewish people: To return once 
again to their homeland and build a nation based on the principles of 
freedom, justice, and peace.
  It is fitting that on that same day, President Harry Truman signed 
his name to the announcement recognizing the provisional government of 
the new Jewish state as the de facto authority of the State of Israel, 
thus making the United States the first nation to recognize Israel as a 
nation.
  In that moment 64 years ago, and in every moment since, the Jewish 
people have persevered in the face of adversity, thriving as a nation 
and as a people, and contributing globally to advancements in areas 
ranging from academia, economics, and business to arts, culture, and 
politics. And all the while, the Jewish people have continued to live 
as a people who, as the Declaration states, love peace but know how to 
defend themselves.
  In the decades that have passed since that momentous event, Israel 
has remained the United States strongest ally in the Middle East, and 
the United States has stood steadfastly with Israel. Today, and in the 
days that

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lie ahead, we must continue to stand unwaveringly with Israel. As the 
modern State of Israel celebrates 64 years, I join with countless 
others to extend my congratulations to the Jewish people--in Israel, in 
the United States, and around the world. And I offer my heartfelt 
prayers for the safety, peace, and prosperity of the State of Israel.

                          ____________________