[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 66 (Tuesday, April 24, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





       CELEBRATING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAEL'S INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHARLES W. DENT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2018

  Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 70th 
Independence Day of the State of Israel. On May 14, 1948, the State of 
Israel declared its independence from Britain after the expiration of 
the British Mandate. This declaration created the state of Israel as we 
recognize it today.
  The land of Israel has been home to the Jewish people throughout 
history. Jewish heritage in the area can be traced back to the Iron Age 
when the Kingdom of Israel occupied the region. It is in this territory 
between the Mediterranean and Dead Seas Judaism was founded. Jews ruled 
Israel during some historical periods and were conquered during others. 
After many years of uncertainty, the Jewish people were recognized as 
the rightful occupants of Israel in 1948.
  Israel began to establish itself immediately during its early history 
as a country; it was admitted to the United Nations on May 11, 1949, a 
little under a year since its inception. Persecuted Jews from around 
the world, including Holocaust survivors, immigrated to Israel and 
adopted it as home. Such mass migration gave Israel a population of 
nearly two million by 1958. A highlight during Israel's early period 
was the prosecution of Nazi war criminals, mainly the trial of Adolf 
Eichmann in 1961. The capture of Eichmann from Argentina and his 
subsequent trial in Israel led to an increased public awareness of 
Holocaust atrocities.
  In the 1970's, Israel was forced to fight off many military threats 
from neighboring nations. These attacks prompted support from Israel's 
European and Western allies, strengthening the young nation's global 
relationships. Israel has been able to partner with two of its former 
adversaries, Egypt and Jordan, after these threats subsided. While 
hostility towards Israel still exists, significant progress towards 
peaceful relationships has been made in recent years.
  The economy in Israel has become very highly developed since the late 
20th century. The nation enjoys the highest standard of living in the 
Middle East and the 35th best GDP per capita in the world. This is the 
result of a diverse and robust economy. Israel is a global innovator of 
technology and has recently drawn comparisons to Silicon Valley as a 
result of its success. Israel is also one of the top producers of cut 
diamonds throughout the world, which accounts for nearly 12 percent of 
global production.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to please join me in praising Israel's 
70th anniversary as an independent nation. The United States and Israel 
have long maintained a friendly relationship based on shared values and 
mutual interests. May our bond continue to strengthen into the future, 
and may Israel continue to prosper in the Middle East for many years to 
come.

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