[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 60 (Thursday, April 23, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E565-E566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COMMEMORATING THE 67TH ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAEL'S INDEPENDENCE

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                         HON. KATHLEEN M. RICE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 2015

  Miss RICE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
67th anniversary of Israel's independence. On this day, Yom Ha'atzmaut, 
we celebrate Israel's establishment as a sovereign state and as a 
homeland for the Jewish people.
   Rising from the ashes of the Holocaust, Israel has come to embody 
the true meaning of perseverance and resilience. Since it's declaration 
of independence in 1948, Israel has overcome seemingly insurmountable 
challenges, defending itself time and again against enemies seeking to 
destroy it. Today, Israel stands proudly alongside the world's most 
developed nations and as the Middle East's sole true democracy--one 
rooted in equality and freedom of speech and religion.
   However, this prosperity has come at a high price, as over 20,000 
brave Israeli men and women have given their lives in service to their 
country. That is why this week we also observe Yom Hazikaron, to pay 
tribute to the Israeli service members who made the ultimate sacrifice 
and to thousands of Israeli civilians who lost their lives in senseless 
acts of terror.
   Sadly, in the post-9/11 world, the United States has also grown 
familiar with the threat of terrorism and we have watched our own men 
and women give their lives to defeat it. This common struggle has 
created yet another bond between our nations, as we both understand the 
indiscriminant, unjustifiable evil of terrorism, the irreparable pain 
it causes, and the swift, unequivocal response necessary to destroy it.
   So today, we celebrate more than just 67 years of Israeli 
independence--we celebrate 67 years of strong and unwavering U.S.-
Israeli relations.

[[Page E566]]

   I am proud to have visited Israel as a citizen of the United States, 
and I look forward to returning this summer as a member of Congress 
representing New York's fourth district, which is home to many people 
of the Jewish faith and has a special bond with the State of Israel and 
the Israeli people. During my time in Israel, I saw firsthand the 
prosperity that this great nation has built, as well as the fear that 
accompanies the daily threat of terrorism. On Israel's 67th year of 
independence, I want to congratulate the Israeli people and assure them 
that the U.S. will forever remain committed to their security, their 
survival and their prosperity.

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