[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 82 (Thursday, May 11, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E623-E624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                          HON. EVAN H. JENKINS

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2017

  Mr. JENKINS of West Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the Israel Independence Celebration in my hometown of Huntington, West 
Virginia, that took place on Sunday, May 7. This event honoring the 
establishment of one of our nation's greatest allies was made possible 
by the hard work of Jewish Charities of Huntington and Christ Temple 
Church of Huntington. I thank Linda Klein and Pastor Chuck Lawrence for 
their steadfast leadership as well.
  Just like West Virginia, Israel's greatest strength is the resolve 
and resilience of its people. I witnessed firsthand the importance of 
the relationship between our two countries during my recent visit to 
Israel, where it was evident that the nation is under threat like never 
before. That is why I will continue to hold the Iranian regime 
accountable for its nuclear and ballistic missile programs so that it 
will never be able to obtain a nuclear weapon. I have also been a vocal 
supporter of placing stronger sanctions on Iran until it no longer 
financially supports terrorist groups that pose a threat to both Israel 
and the United States, and to providing aid and support to Israel to 
help it defend itself.
  Israel will always have a friend in the United States, and in me. I 
congratulate the citizens of Israel on 69 years of independence and 
look forward to many more years of friendship between our people.

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