[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 50 (Monday, April 15, 2013)]
[House]
[Pages H2020-H2024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  2030
               IN HONOR OF ISRAEL'S 65TH INDEPENDENCE DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 3, 2013, the Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. 
Frankel) for 30 minutes.


                             General Leave

  Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend 
their remarks and include extraneous materials on the subject of my 
Special Order.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, tonight's Special Order is meant 
to honor Israel's 65th Independence Day. But first, today's horrible 
tragedy of Boston demands our attention.
  Security officials continue to investigate the details of the 
incident. I know that all Americans join with us today, our thoughts 
and prayers for those affected, the victims, their families and the 
courageous first responders.
  When acts like this occur, I find it even more important that we 
carry on and refuse to allow our lives to be dictated by those wishing 
ill. So, in many ways, it's fitting to discuss Israel tonight, a nation 
that knows all too well the pain of these tragedies. In fact, today 
Israelis commemorated Memorial Day to honor the memory of 24,000 
Israeli men, women, and children who've been killed in terror attacks 
and wars over the past 65 years.
  Immediately following Memorial Day, though, Israel transitions to 
Independence Day, when Israelis and Jews across the globe celebrate the 
modern-day revival of the State of Israel.
  The abrupt transition from the sadness of Memorial Day to the joy and 
celebration of Independence Day embodies the Israeli narrative and 
serves as a poignant lesson in resilience.
  Sixty-five years ago, Israel began as a modest nation of 800,000 
people, fighting for its very survival. Today, Israel's population 
stands at over 8 million. It's a thriving liberal democracy, the 
homeland for Jewish people, a global economic and high-tech powerhouse 
and maintains the region's most powerful military force.
  Sixty-five years ago, this success was not guaranteed and at times 
seemed almost unobtainable. Memorial Day, which just ended tonight, and 
Holocaust Remembrance Day, which was commemorated last week, are potent 
reminders of the struggles the Jewish people have faced and continue to 
face.

[[Page H2021]]

  The story of the Jewish people is riddled with triumph and tragedy, 
and Israel's national anthem, called ``Hatikva,'' meaning ``The Hope,'' 
sings of the 2,000-year-old dream to be free, people in a land of our 
own after centuries of pogroms and inquisitions and genocide. That 
dream has been realized in the establishment of the State of Israel.
  Now, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to introduce and bring up a very 
distinguished member of our Illinois delegation, Congresswoman Jan 
Schakowsky.
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Thank you so much for organizing this Special Order. 
I want to thank my colleague, Representative Frankel from Florida, for 
bringing us together. I notice we're wearing the colors of the Israeli 
flag today in celebration of the 65th birthday, the anniversary of the 
State of Israel.
  I, too, when I walked over to the Capitol, our gleaming Capitol 
today, I saw our flag at half-mast, recognizing the tragedy that 
happened in Boston today; and I, too, want to acknowledge and give my 
condolences to those families of the two that we know that have been 
lost, have been killed, and I wish well the dozens more that have been 
injured. I do believe in what the President said, that whoever did this 
will be brought to justice.
  So, along with Israelis and their friends around the world, we are 
also at a moment of celebration, celebrating the renewal of the Jewish 
state in the land of Israel. For 65 years, our two nations have enjoyed 
a close friendship as well as a strategic alliance.
  Since the United States became the first country to recognize Israel 
a mere 11 minutes after her founding, President Truman recognized 
Israel as a state, and that relationship and that bond has continued to 
grow and strengthen. Rooted in shared ideals and dreams, as well as 
common global threats, the United States-Israel relationship remains as 
critical today as it was in 1948.
  As a Jew and a Member of Congress, I have a strong personal 
connection to the State of Israel, and I'm committed to continuously 
working to grow and strengthen that U.S.-Israel relationship. And even 
in the face of terrorism and war, Israel has become a leader in 
technology and energy and scientific innovation.
  Those people who haven't gone ought to go and see the spirit of 
Israel, despite the relentless years of war and attack and terrorist 
bombings. This is a resilient people looking to find joy in everyday 
life and looking forward to the future.
  I traveled to Israel this past February, and like I had been on 
previous trips, I was struck for the need for a peaceful future for the 
Israeli people. It's my wish today, on the celebration of the 
anniversary, that the years to come will show a time of peace. We need 
peace.
  Israelis paused on Remembrance Day, which ended at sunset in Israel, 
to commemorate the over 20,000 Israelis who have given their lives in 
defense of the Jewish state, as well as the thousands more that were 
killed in terrorist attacks. Even as we celebrate Israel's history, we 
remember those who gave their lives for their country.
  As we continue to stand with the Israeli Government in the face of 
threats and terrorism, I strongly believe that the United States must 
also continue to work together with our Israeli partners to ensure a 
secure and peaceful future for Israel and for the entire Middle East. 
Israel is our closest friend and ally in the turbulent Middle East 
region, and the U.S. Congress remains committed to a safe and secure 
future for the Israeli people.
  There aren't a whole lot of things I can say with confidence that 
represent both sides of the aisle, but I can say that the support for 
the State of Israel truly is a bipartisan, a nonpartisan issue for 
Members of Congress. For over six decades, the U.S.-Israel relationship 
has been fortified by this bipartisan understanding about the critical 
importance of the relationship to both countries. So today, 
Congresswoman Frankel, as we celebrate the 65th anniversary of the 
establishment of the State of Israel, we remain committed to a safe and 
secure future for Israel.
  Thank you so much for allowing me to participate in this wonderful 
hour of celebration.
  Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Thank you very much, Congresswoman 
Schakowsky.
  We're also joined here today by a newcomer to Congress, but very much 
a rising star, my neighbor and friend in the Palm Beach County 
delegation and the distinguished colleague who is on the House 
Financial Services Committee and Small Business Committee and I know 
recently took a trip to Israel, Congressman Patrick Murphy.

                              {time}  2040

  Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Thank you, Congresswoman Frankel.
  First, I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt 
condolences to all of those affected by the tragedy that occurred 
earlier today in Boston. My heart goes out to all the friends and 
families of those involved during this most difficult time.
  I also want to take this opportunity to celebrate the 65th 
anniversary of the declaration of the State of Israel. Since David Ben-
Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel on April 26, 
1948, the United States and Israel have maintained an unbreakable bond. 
This bond is rooted in our shared values and common goals of democracy, 
freedom and a desire for peace. In this time of difficult security 
challenges and economic concerns, this partnership is more important 
than ever to the prosperity of both nations.
  Bilateral trade between the United States and our ally Israel creates 
jobs here at home and contributes to the American economy. The United 
States' trade with Israel has reached over $40 billion, and Israel 
accounts for 25 percent of U.S. exports to the Middle East. The United 
States and Israel share a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship 
that has attracted leading technology companies like Intel, Microsoft, 
and Google to Israel. At the same time, tens of thousands of jobs in 
the United States are created by Israeli companies, and Israel has the 
third most companies on the NASDAQ stock exchange.
  In just 65 years, Israel has accomplished extraordinary achievements. 
Whether in technology, business, agriculture, or defense, Israel's 
innovations and advancements contribute to the daily lives of all 
Americans. For example, some of the most important technology we use 
every day, including instant messenger, voice mail, and computer 
processor, were developed in Israel. Additionally, Israeli medical 
advances are saving lives here in the U.S. and around the world, and 
Israeli-developed military technologies are protecting American troops 
stationed in the Middle East.
  Mr. Speaker, our partnership with Israel is not just an investment in 
American jobs and American prosperity; it is an investment in freedom 
and democracy. Simply put, investing in Israel is investing in America, 
and we must continue to maintain our strong relationship with the State 
of Israel. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Israel on 
her 65th Independence Day and in reaffirming the lasting partnership 
between our two countries.
  Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Thank you, Mr. Murphy.
  Now I have the privilege of introducing the distinguished ranking 
member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Eliot Engel, from the 
great State of New York.
  Mr. ENGEL. I thank the gentlewoman from Florida.
  Let me say, as the ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs 
Committee, I really want everyone to know what a valued member of our 
committee the gentlewoman from Florida is. She is a new Member of 
Congress, but we value her opinions and thoughts and hard work on our 
committee. I know she has got a very bright future on our committee and 
in Congress, and I thank her for inviting me to participate in this 
very important Special Order.
  As we've heard, Mr. Speaker, from so many of our colleagues who have 
spoken, the United States and Israel have much in common. Israel is the 
only democracy in the Middle East. The United States, of course, is the 
oldest democracy in the world. We have similar values. The standard of 
living of citizens in both our countries is higher than in most of the 
world, and Israel and the United States share common concerns.

  Israel is celebrating its 65th birthday, a celebration of the holiday 
of

[[Page H2022]]

Yom Ha'Atzmaut, and I think all Americans want to congratulate the 
people of Israel for persevering in a very, very dangerous neighborhood 
and in a very, very dangerous environment.
  Earlier today, we had a terrible tragedy in the United States, in 
Boston, in which lives were lost, in what seems to be a bombing, or a 
potential terrorist attack. I don't want to jump to conclusions, but 
that's the way it appears. As a New Yorker who lived through September 
11, 2001, terrorism is something that, whenever it raises, or rears, 
its ugly head, all people of goodwill must condemn it. The people of 
Israel have lived through that--have lived through bombings of busses 
and bombings of pizza shops and bombings of weddings and just random 
bombings of people who care not about life but who care about death. So 
we pause, of course, for the loss of life in Boston today, and we 
understand that, when Israel has gone through terrorist attacks, there 
has been a similar crying out of wanton acts of terror.
  I just came back a few weeks ago from Israel. I had the honor of 
traveling there with President Obama, and the President, of course, is 
working feverishly to try to move towards a two-state solution, which 
all of us believe is the best thing that could happen--a Palestinian 
state and an Israel Jewish state. Certainly, the United States will 
always stand by its ally Israel. I'll be going back to the region in a 
couple of weeks, visiting Israel again with senior members of the House 
Foreign Affairs Committee and of the other relevant committees because 
we realize how important it is to continue to keep the relationship 
between the U.S. and Israel.
  It has been a very strong partnership, and it has been a good 
partnership. Israel is one of the greatest supporters of the United 
States in the United Nations and elsewhere, and of course the United 
States is one of the greatest supporters of Israel. Iron Dome, which is 
saving countless Israeli civilian lives, has been funded for and 
provided for by the United States, and the United States has stood by 
the people of Israel in its constant fight against terrorism.
  I am just so happy that we are celebrating Israel's 65th birthday. I 
guess that makes Israel a senior citizen these days. Israel is 
obviously a very new country but of people in a very, very old land. 
Israel is the ancient Jewish homeland, and the rebirth of the Jewish 
state in 1948 is a miracle for all to behold.
  So I am very, very proud of the relationship that we in the United 
States have with the State of Israel and the people of Israel. I am 
very proud that we have strong supporters of Israel on both sides of 
the aisle. Israel, as Ms. Schakowsky said before, is a bipartisan or a 
nonpartisan issue in that people, Democrats and Republicans, understand 
that Israel's fight for democracy, against terrorism and for its people 
is really the same fight that we have here in the United States.
  Again, I want to thank the gentlewoman from Florida for including me 
in this, and I look forward to continuing to work with her on the 
Foreign Affairs Committee and in Congress on this issue and on so many 
other issues of importance to the people of the United States.
  Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Thank you very much, Congressman Engel, and 
thank you for your great leadership to us in Congress.
  Now I am very pleased to yield to another new Member of Congress, a 
colleague of mine in the class of 2013 and a colleague of mine on the 
Foreign Affairs Committee and on the Subcommittee on the Middle East 
and North Africa, from the great State of Illinois, Brad Schneider.
  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Thank you. It is an honor to speak in celebration of 
Yom Ha'Atzmaut, the 65th anniversary of the birth of Israel, and of the 
partnership between our country and the country of Israel for all of 
those 65 years. I am proud that the United States was one of the first 
countries to recognize the new state 65 years ago and that our bond has 
continued to grow.
  I had the privilege of being in Israel 15 years ago for the Jubilee 
celebration--to see the vibrancy of the country and the hopes for 
prosperity and peace in the region that were shared by so many of the 
people--and as we come forward 15 years, to see that the partnership 
between the United States and Israel has continued to grow, as was 
mentioned earlier, in so many different aspects: on security and 
defense as well as economically and culturally. We are sharing 
technologies. We are sharing experiences. We have a special bond built 
on common values and a common dream of a better world for our children, 
and we are contributing to the world in so many different ways.

                              {time}  2050

  I was in Israel 3 years ago, and I had a chance to see some of the 
new technologies that were emerging, both with electric cars and some 
of the medical technologies; and you see the partnership with the 
United States and Israel in technology is contributing to the entire 
world. In medical aspects you see where research is being 
collaboratively done between our country and researchers in Israel, 
working to find cures for disease to ease the pain and burdens of 
families and individuals who are afflicted with different diseases, 
cancers, and other types. This is something that's a beacon to the rest 
of the world.
  My district in Illinois, the 10th Congressional District of Illinois, 
is home to many people who have family in Israel, who travel to Israel. 
Our connection to Israel is not strictly political; it is personal. And 
the relationship we have and will continue to have is a special bond 
that I'm pleased and honored to be able to represent.
  With you, being a member of the Middle East and North Africa 
Committee, being a life-long advocate for a strong U.S.-Israel 
relationship, it is a great distinction and honor for me to stand here 
to celebrate Yom Ha'Atzmaut, the 65th anniversary for Israel. I am 
honored to be going to Israel again in 2 weeks with members of the 
Chicago community. We will be going throughout the country. We will 
have a chance to visit Iron Dome, I will have a chance to visit Sderot, 
and places where Israel is at the front lines of a battle that is ours 
together.
  So I am proud and honored to represent Illinois here in the United 
States House of Representatives knowing that the bond, the connection, 
between the United States and Israel is sound, secure, and permanent.
  Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Thank you very much, Mr. Schneider.
  Tonight, we have had a very good, I think, discussion here because in 
Israel, as we speak, Israelis dressed in blue and white flood the 
streets for ceremonies and parties to celebrate all that Israel has 
accomplished. And what a lesson we have learned because even in our 
sadness in our hearts tonight for the people in Boston, we can learn 
from Israel the resilience of how to come back from tragedy.
  I thank both of you, Mr. Schneider and Mr. Murphy, for reminding us 
that Israel is not just to be known for a place of trouble and 
conflict. They have developed some of the leading universities in the 
world, boast the highest ratio of university degrees to population. And 
as Mr. Murphy mentioned, it is oft been labeled ``the start-up nation'' 
for its remarkably advanced entrepreneurial economy and is among the 
world's leaders in high-tech industry and is at the forefront of 
research and development in the field of renewable energy sources.
  And most incredibly, even as Israel struggles to protect and care for 
its own population, Israel regularly sends humanitarian aid, search and 
rescue teams, mobile hospitals, and other emergency supplies to help 
victims of disasters around the world.
  We know that Israel has its share of difficulties, as every country 
does; but despite the current impasse for the peace process, the 
majority of Israelis continue to show support for a two-state solution.
  So as we conclude tonight, I want to say that I know on a personal 
note, as a mother of a combat veteran, I know too well the pain and 
fear and lying awake at night wondering if your child will come home 
safe. That's the feeling that parents in Israel often have. That is the 
reason I know that I will work with Mr. Schneider, Mr. Engel, Ms. 
Schakowsky, and the rest of my colleagues here in what I am so happy to 
say is a bipartisan way to strengthen the United States-Israel 
relationship.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I just want to say happy birthday to the 
State of Israel.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Jewish 
state of Israel on

[[Page H2023]]

Israel's Independence Day, Yom Ha'atzmaut. I am proud to join many 
other colleagues in the United States Congress in honoring the strength 
of the US-Israel friendship and the shining example that Israel gives 
as America's most reliable partner in the region.
  Last month, when President Obama visited Israel, Prime Minister 
Netanyahu gave him a special gift, a nano-chip, designed and created by 
Technion scientists. Set against the backdrop of a Jerusalem stone, 
this nano-chip recalls the advancements of Israel in the context of its 
ancient roots. Inscribed side by side on the nano-chip were replicas of 
the Declarations of Independence of the United States of America and 
the State of Israel.
  This gift reminds us of shared values between the United States and 
Israel--spelled out on some of our Nations' earliest documents. In 
Israel, their Declaration of Independence refers to its commitment to 
``uphold the full social and political equality of all its citizens, 
without distinction of race, creed or sex'' and a guarantee of ``full 
freedom of conscience, worship, education and culture.'' In the United 
States, centuries before, our forefathers pledged ``that all men are 
created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain 
unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit 
of Happiness.'' These shared values demonstrate that the US Israel 
relationship can withstand the toughest challenges because the 
foundation of the relationship is built on enduring values.
  In these uncertain times in the Middle East and North Africa, Israel 
seems surrounded by chaos. On one border, Israel must rely on Egypt to 
disrupt weapons and human smuggling into Gaza. To the North, Lebanon is 
politically fractured, with an avowed terrorist group, Hezbollah, in 
the government. In Syria, a post-Assad era seems near, yet opposition 
groups are becoming more closely aligned with those who seek Israel's 
destruction. In Jordan, the state is under tremendous burden to cope 
with refugees from other more unstable parts of the Middle East, 
leading to a shaky foundation for one of Israel's most important 
relationships. With an intransigent Palestinian leadership refusing to 
negotiate, a political solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict 
seems out of reach. Iran's illicit nuclear program remains an 
existential threat to Israel, haunting every decision that Israel's 
government makes.
  Israel does not have to be reminded of these threats. Every year, on 
the day before Independence Day, Israelis mourn the loss of those who 
were killed in service to their country. The Israeli Memorial Day, Yom 
Hazikaron, is marked by the sound of a piercing siren that stops the 
entire country. Because everyone in Israel has been touched by the 
violence of the Arab-Israeli conflict--no matter how young or old.
  And yet, despite these challenges across the region and the world, 
the Israeli people remain resilient and strong. Their economy is 
growing rapidly, they continue to have just and fair elections and 
their democracy thrives. On this Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel has much to be 
proud of.
  And the United States' commitment to Israel is unshakeable. As Israel 
faces difficult decisions ahead about peace and security, the United 
States will stand by its ally and friend.
  I wish the people and government of Israel a Chag Sameach, a happy 
holiday on this 65th Independence Day.
  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Israel, our 
partner in peace and prosperity, for its 65 years of independence.
  On April 14, 1948, just hours before the British Mandate was due to 
end, Israel's Founding Fathers and Founding Mothers, led by future 
David Ben-Gurion declared the birth of the State of Israel in Tel Aviv.
  Many of the Jews who lived in Israel in 1948 were survivors of the 
Second World War and the Holocaust, which pushed international opinion 
for the need for a homeland for the Jewish people where they could be 
free from persecution and free to build a better life.
  Since that fateful day in Tel Aviv, Israel and its people have worked 
tirelessly to build a thriving democracy that is economically 
prosperous and at peace with neighboring nations.
  The first nation to recognize Israel's independence, I am proud to 
say, was the United States, which welcomed Israel into the community of 
nations just hours after its declaration.
  The bonds between our two great nations, bound together by common 
interests and shared values, have only grown with time.
  It is also fitting to take this occasion to speak on the future of a 
lasting peace. As I and my colleagues in this chamber have said 
repeatedly, the only path to peace is through direct negotiations 
between Israel and the Palestinians.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope on this joyous day that we reflect on the need to 
redouble our efforts to bring peace to the region and continue to 
tangibly support our friend and ally in its request for peace.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
the contribution of the State of Israel as it celebrates its 65th 
anniversary as a vibrant and open democratic society.
  I had the great privilege to live and work in Israel in the mid-
1960's and celebrated Israel's 22nd anniversary by taking part in a 
three-day walk from the shores of Tel Aviv to the hills of Jerusalem.
  Now about 50 years later, I marvel at the extraordinary changes that 
have taken place in Israel.
  In its 65 years, Israel has managed some incredible achievements.
  These have been true gifts to Americans and the world--healing the 
sick, improving security, and promoting commerce.
  Israeli doctors and researchers have produced countless medical 
advances.
  Israelis have developed techniques to better assist cancer and 
Parkinson's patients.
  Israelis invented the PillCam to better detect disorders of the GI 
Tract.
  Israelis are pioneering robotic surgery.
  Israelis were key to developing the cell phone--which has transformed 
American business and, of course, allowed many Jewish mothers, like 
myself, to instantly get in touch with their children.
  Israelis also invented voice mail technology.
  Israel developed the Iron Dome Missile Defense System which has 
already saved countless lives from missile attacks. And, Israel is 
sharing this vital technology with the United States.
  Israel is also a leader in conservation and renewable energy. In 
fact, Israel is the only country in the world that entered the 21st 
century with a net gain in its number of trees, made more remarkable 
because this was achieved in an area considered mainly desert.
  And, Israel continues to be a shining example of democratic 
governance in the Middle East.
  Israel is the only country in the Middle East with protections for 
free speech, free press, free practice of religion, women's rights and 
gay rights.
  All citizens of Israel have full voting rights without regard to 
race, sex, or ethnicity.
  And, Israel's parliament, the Knesset, includes Jews and Arabs alike 
as members.
  Israel is a small country in a hostile environment that has found a 
way to accomplish big things.
  We as Americans are better off today because of Israel's existence.
  And, as I wish Israel and her citizens a happy 65th birthday, I 
stress that I will continue working with my colleagues to support our 
closest friend and ally, as it continues to inspire the world with its 
achievement.
  Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, tonight many of my colleagues will be 
participating in a special order in observance of Yom Ha'atzmaut, 
Israel's Independence Day.
  I want to join them in celebration and wish the Israeli people a very 
happy and blessed 65 years of independence.
  The road traveled by the people of Israel required extraordinary and 
unimaginable sacrifice.
  And still this struggle continues every day for Jewish people in 
countries across the world.
  I am proud to stand with Israel and continue our nation's support of 
democracy and peace in the Middle East.
  A personal hero of mine, President Truman, bonded our countries 
together when he made the United States the first nation to recognize 
the State of Israel.
  Since that time we've worked together to promote peace in the region 
and stand up to threats and acts of aggression.
  Today Israel faces new challenges and uncertainty. But by acting 
together the United States and Israel can--and will--overcome.
  Again, I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Israel on 
its 65th year of independence, and my hope that we will continue to 
strive towards a stable and peaceful Middle East and North Africa.
  Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate America's great 
friend and ally, Israel, and the people of Israel, on the 65th 
anniversary of their independence.
  Mr. Speaker, as a student, in the 1980's, I was incredibly fortunate 
to have the opportunity to travel to Israel. I learned a lot from that 
journey. There are few places I have been to in my life as vibrant and 
dynamic as that nation. I was impressed, as I think most visitors are, 
by the great optimism and resilience of the Israeli people--optimism 
and resilience that they showed even during a time of extreme 
uncertainty.
  And I was also struck by how small, and how vulnerable, Israel is 
geographically. On a clear day, you can stand on top of the Golan 
Heights and see from one end of the country to another. Right before 
your eyes, you can see the fragility of the country's security--whose 
defense is a great credit to the Israeli people.

[[Page H2024]]

  Right before your eyes, you see a strong, but geographically small 
country, a country not protected by oceans, a country with many hostile 
neighbors, a country that has been bravely defending itself from 
terrorist and military attacks repeatedly since its independence.
  My visit to Israel dramatically increased my appreciation for Israel 
and helped define my own views about the importance of their security 
and our nation's special relationship with Israel. Our shared national 
interests and our shared values of democracy, peace, and liberty have 
defined that relationship for 65 years now and will continue to define 
that relationship into the future.
  I'm proud to join my colleagues of both parties in expressing a 
renewed commitment to that special relationship and to Israel's 
security, in honoring Israel's history, in expressing our best wishes 
for Israel's continued accomplishments, and in offering our 
congratulations to the Israeli people on this significant anniversary.
  Congratulations to our dear friends in Israel on the 65th anniversary 
of your nation's independence.

                          ____________________