[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 62 (Friday, April 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          CELEBRATING THE 64TH ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAEL'S REBIRTH

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                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 27, 2012

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to 
congratulate our friend and ally, the State of Israel, on the 64th 
anniversary of her founding.
  A week ago, I had the honor of attending the National Days of 
Remembrance ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. As I listened to the 
program, I was reminded again that there was nothing pre-ordained about 
the rebirth of the State of Israel. When he was President, Dwight 
Eisenhower said, ``Our forces saved the remnants of the Jewish people 
of Europe for a new life and a new hope in the reborn land of Israel.'' 
Even upon its founding 64 years ago Israel's survival was not assured. 
That is still the case today, but we must commit to a lasting State of 
Israel, for all that she represents and stands for.
  I have seen Israeli families terrorized by rocket attacks, so I 
understand the daily threat they face. The political movements sweeping 
the region from Libya to Syria have the potential--if hijacked by 
extremists--to pose mortal threats to Israel's existence. I am ever 
mindful of Israel's precarious position, which is why I have voted for 
over $35 billion in economic and military assistance for Israel during 
my time in Congress, and I will continue to support such measures in 
the future.
  Ultimately, the only way to achieve lasting peace and security for 
the citizens of Israel is to secure a just, permanent, and peaceful 
settlement between Israelis and Palestinians, and their neighbors. In 
the past, genuine, measurable progress towards that goal has come when 
the United States has been most directly engaged in trying to bring the 
parties together. The Camp David and Oslo accords are examples. I 
remain convinced that real progress can be made towards peace--but our 
country must take the lead in bringing the two sides together. Just as 
our unshakeable commitment to our friendship and partnership with 
Israel should not be questioned by the PA, neither should the world 
community be allowed to doubt that our nation understands that 
resolving this conflict is essential to achieving peace throughout the 
Middle East.
  On Israel's 64th anniversary, my hope remains that the future of 
Israel and the Middle East is one of peace, cooperation, security, and 
prosperity. I am pleased to join the Jewish community of New Jersey and 
all Americans in celebrating Israel's national successes, her great 
contributions to the international community, and her continued 
existence as an inspiration not only to Jews, but to all people.

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