[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 61 (Thursday, April 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2012

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Israel 
Independence Day. Sixty-four years ago, after 2,000 years in exile, the 
Jewish people declared their independence and established a nation in 
their ancient and sacred homeland.
  Since then, the Israeli people have developed a vibrant democracy, a 
vigorous economy, a dynamic cultural life, and an admirable commitment 
to the environment.
  In the Jewish tradition, even joyous occasions are mixed with sorrow, 
to honor past history and to acknowledge the debt owed to those who 
came before us.
  I have always admired the confluence of Israel Independence Day with 
Remembrance Day, when the day before the celebration of independence 
Israelis stop to remember their fallen soldiers, and those who gave 
their lives in service to the nation. It is a reminder of the heavy 
price of freedom, and of the burden on future generations to uphold the 
ideals for which Israel's sons and daughters gave their lives.
  Beyond the conflicts that seem to dominate the news, Israel has made 
extraordinary achievements in every field imaginable. From agriculture 
and medicine to environmental sustainability and literature, Israelis 
offer a steady stream of improvements to global challenges.
  One of my most memorable visits to Israel was to a desalinization 
plant in Ashkelon, where I saw firsthand how Israel deals with some of 
the same water challenges that confront South Florida. This is just one 
example of how the close relationship between our two countries 
benefits both Israelis and Americans.
  Israel Independence Day is a celebration of renewal, and this year 
Israelis have much to be proud of in the remarkable nation they built 
from the desert. For 64 years Israel has stood as a symbol of hope for 
millions of people around the world. For 64 years Israel has modeled a 
society where determination and passion, and an emphasis on social 
progress and education, can build a productive nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I have been to Israel 14 times as a Member of Congress, 
and every time I go I encounter ordinary citizens and government 
officials alike who are genuinely dedicated to living up to the ideals 
of Israel's independence. I am always impressed by the Israelis' 
intense desire to persevere. Israel deserves to be secure and 
prosperous, to live in peace with its neighbors, and to live free from 
fear and violence.

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