[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 128 (Tuesday, July 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS SUPPORTING THE STATE OF ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOSH GOTTHEIMER

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 18, 2023

  Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this 
resolution expressing the sense of Congress Supporting the State of 
Israel.
  As the only vibrant, progressive, and inclusive democracy in the 
Middle East, Israel is a beacon of hope--a country where pluralism 
flourishes. Efforts to delegitimize the Jewish State and claims that 
the country has abandoned the democratic principles on which it was 
founded are unfair and false. In Israel, Arab parties serve in the 
Knesset, women serve at the highest levels of the military, and the 
country remains an oasis for LGBTQ+ people in a region hostile toward 
the community.
  The U.S.-Israel alliance is strong for a reason. Our nations were 
founded on these shared values, and those ideals keep our partnership 
ironclad to this day.
  Israeli security is critical to America's national security. Our 
bilateral defense and intelligence cooperation makes our two countries 
safer and plays a key role in the global fight against terror, I am 
proud to champion this relationship in Congress. We have no better 
partner in the region than the State of Israel and I will remain 
committed to ensuring that Israel has the resources it needs to defend 
itself.
  I have traveled to Israel twice this year alone, alongside Democrats 
and Republicans, and have many times visited the country to meet with 
senior level officials and civil society leaders. Each time I am 
reminded of the resolve and passion of the Israeli people. I am also 
reminded of the importance of the Jewish State.
  The United States was the first country to recognize Israel's 
independence 75 years ago, just eleven minutes after its founding. It 
has since become the ``Start Up Nation'', a leader in high-tech, 
sustainability, and innovation. The United States has stood with Israel 
every step of the way.
  Over the last 75 years, bipartisan support for the U.S.-Israel 
relationship has proven vital to protecting our national security, 
fighting terror, and intelligence collaboration.
  I look forward to celebrating Israel's next 75 years, and furthering 
the vital U.S.-Israel relationship.

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