[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 62 (Friday, April 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E680]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     ISRAEL'S INDEPENDENCE DAY 2012

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 27, 2012

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, Israel is celebrating the 64th Anniversary 
of its declaration of Independence, issued one day before the 
expiration of the British Mandate. For 64 years, Israel has grown from 
an agricultural nation of pioneers to an ultra-modern high tech 
powerhouse.
  Israel has repeatedly absorbed hundreds of thousands of immigrants, 
found employment for them and used their skills and ingenuity to build 
a remarkable country. Since its founding, Israel's population has grown 
tenfold, thanks in part to the arrival of Jewish populations fleeing 
discrimination in Europe, Arab countries, Africa and the Soviet Union. 
As a nation of immigrants, Israel draws its strength from the diversity 
of its people, much as the United States does.
  Against all odds, Israel has grown into an economic powerhouse. It 
was welcomed in 2010 as a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-
operation and Development (OECD), marking it as one of the world's most 
highly developed economies. Israel has shown that a small country with 
few natural resources can succeed by investing in its people and 
supporting its emerging companies. Israel has more high tech start-ups 
than any other country in the world other than the United States, and 
it attracts more venture capital per capita than any other nation.
  Israel has succeeded by transforming its challenges into assets. 
Adversity has made it innovative. Lacking potable water, it is at the 
forefront of desalination efforts. Lacking arable land, it developed 
innovative ways to grow produce in a desert. Lacking energy, it has 
pioneered advances in solar and wind energy. Lacking security, it has 
built one of the world's best militaries and produces some of the most 
effective security products. Lacking space, Israel has invested in 
developing information technology which requires intellectual capital 
but little land. Some say that Israel's culture is ideal for 
innovation, with its lack of hierarchy, comfort with risk-taking and 
drive for individualism.
  Despite Israel's great advances, Israel continues to face a hostile 
neighborhood and is surrounded by hostile nations that deny its right 
to exist. In my view, the bond between the United States and Israel is 
unbreakable. As the only true democracy in the Middle East, Israel 
faces the challenges of a pluralistic society. Israel shares our 
devotion to a free press, freedom of association and adherence to the 
rule of law.
  Although Israel's economy is currently thriving, it has spent its 
entire existence in a state of war. In light of the challenges that 
confront it, Israel has the absolute right and sole discretion to take 
whatever steps may be necessary to defend itself and its citizens.
  Today on Yom Ha'atzmaut we rejoice in Israel's successes and renew 
our commitment to support the right of Israel's citizens to live in 
safety and security.

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