[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 31, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE 68TH YOM HA'ATZMAUT, ISRAEL'S INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 31, 2016

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 68th Yom 
Ha'Atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day, which took place on May 12th, 
2016.
  Sixty-eight years ago, the founders of Israel sat in a hall at the 
Tel Aviv Museum of Art and made the fateful decision to declare Israel 
an independent state for the Jewish people. Following centuries of 
persecution in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and even, sadly, 
the United States, with the worst culmination of anti-Semitism during 
the Shoah--in which six million Jews were systematically executed--
Israel became the first modern homeland for Jews.
  I am proud that the United States of America played a role in the 
birth of this new state, becoming the first country in the world to 
recognize Israel's existence just minutes after David Ben-Gurion 
proclaimed Israel's nationhood. President Truman rightfully understood 
the new State of Israel represented the same western democratic values 
that the United States cherished, and acknowledged that an independent 
state for the Jewish people was long overdue. His endorsement of the 
State of Israel on May 14, 1948 sealed our two nations in an 
unbreakable bond that remains strong to this very day.
  Over the last sixty-eight years, the relationship between the United 
States and Israel has flourished. In addition to promoting our 
continued shared values, Israel has emerged as a crucial ally in the 
Middle East, and a strong partner in our work to enhance global 
security. Furthermore, Israel has contributed valuable innovations to 
the global community that help our businesses run more efficiently and 
make our world more environmentally friendly.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand here today proud of my work to support and 
strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship. On this occasion, I reflect on 
the importance of maintaining strong ties with Israel, and remind my 
colleagues of the importance of working together to create a lasting 
peace in the region.
  I congratulate the State of Israel on its sixty-eighth anniversary, 
and am confident that our bond will remain unbreakable for years to 
come.

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