[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 61 (Thursday, April 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 64TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STATE OF 
                                 ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2012

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 64th 
anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel.
  Today, Israelis and their friends around the world celebrate the 
renewal of a Jewish State in the land of Israel. Since the U.S. became 
the first country to recognize Israel, a mere 11 minutes after her 
founding, the relationship between our two nations has continued to 
grow and strengthen. That friendship is as important now as it was in 
1948, and, after 64 years of cooperation and collaboration, we still 
subscribe to the same Democratic ideals, face the same global threats, 
and share the same dreams. As a Jew and a Member of Congress, I am 
committed to continuously working to grow and strengthen the U.S.-
Israel relationship.
  Israel is not just a strategic ally, but also a friend and partner of 
the United States. I have traveled to Israel many times in recent 
years, and I am continuously impressed by the high level of technology, 
energy, and scientific innovation. Even as Israelis face an uncertain 
security outlook and the very real possibility of violence from 
neighboring nations, Israel continues to be a leader in innovation.
  Today we celebrate, but yesterday we paused for Israel's Memorial Day 
to remember the many men and women who have been killed defending the 
Jewish state. According to the Israeli government, 22,993 men and women 
have given their lives defending the land of Israel since 1860, and 
2,457 people have been killed in terror attacks. In the past year, 126 
members of the Israeli security forces have been killed in the line of 
duty.
  After 64 years, Israel continues to be our closest friend and ally in 
the Middle East, and the United States remains absolutely committed to 
ensuring a secure future for the Jewish State. For over six decades, 
the cornerstone of that relationship has been bipartisan agreement 
recognizing the critical importance of that relationship to both our 
nations.
  As we celebrate the 64th anniversary of the founding of the State of 
Israel, this Congress, this Administration, and this country will 
continue to work together with our Israeli partners to ensure a secure 
and peaceful future for Israel and the entire Middle East.

                          ____________________