[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 65 (Monday, April 23, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MODERN 
                         JEWISH STATE OF ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 23, 2018

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to help 
commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the modern 
Jewish State of Israel.
  As I reflect on Israel's 70 years of independent and democratic 
governance, I am reminded of the strength and resilience of the Israeli 
people. Israel's statehood was hard-fought and long overdue.
  Israel's story has long been admired by the United States, with 
generations of Americans having advocated on behalf of the Jewish 
people's aspiration to return to their beloved homeland, including 
Presidents like George Washington, John Adams, and Abraham Lincoln.
  President Truman forged a valuable and everlasting relationship 
between our two nations when he made the United States the first 
country to officially recognize Israel as an independent state. Since 
then, the United States has been proud to stand with Israel and her 
people not just as allies, but also as friends.
  Since its rebirth in 1948, Israel has proven itself to be a beacon of 
democracy and economic progress in the Middle East. Despite fierce 
opposition and unjust violence, Israel continues to succeed as a global 
power where the Jewish people have a formidable seat on the world 
stage.
  To express the unbreakable bond between the modem State of Israel and 
its ancient nationalism rooted in biblical times, the 70th anniversary 
official logo combines the number 70, a modern design of the Star of 
David, and the word Israel as written by a scribe in a Torah scroll. 
Together, these images bridge the extensive history of Israel, from the 
days of King David's reign to the nation's modern sovereignty.
  I am honored to congratulate Israel on reaching this milestone, and 
consider it a privilege to work toward our nations' common interests in 
the United States House of Representatives.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in commemorating the 70th anniversary of 
the establishment of the modern Jewish State of Israel.

                          ____________________