[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 65 (Thursday, April 15, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H1837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           CELEBRATING ISRAEL

  (Mr. SCHNEIDER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleagues 
in recognition and celebration of the independence of the State of 
Israel 73 years ago today.
  Seventy-three years ago today, the United States became the first 
country to recognize Israel, and I am proud to join those here in the 
United States and around the world in wishing the people of Israel a 
happy Yom Ha'atzmaut.
  Today, we reaffirm the critical, unbreakable bond between our two 
nations. The United States and Israel have a friendship rooted in our 
shared values that goes back decades. Israel is our strongest ally in 
the Middle East and one of our most important allies in the world. 
Today, the cultural and societal bonds between our two countries 
remains as strong as ever.
  Today is a day of celebration for Israel: Celebrating her 
perseverance, economic growth, cultural achievements, and democratic 
values that have developed in the decades since their independence.
  Israel's existence as a Jewish, democratic, secure state is vital to 
both the Jewish community and the peace of the entire Middle East.
  I vow to continue to do my work supporting and strengthening the 
U.S.-Israel relationship so that we can keep working together for our 
shared goals. Israel has become a country of innovation and growth, one 
where there are prospects for peace in the region. I look forward to 
continuing that relationship.

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