[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 4874]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       COMMEMORATING THE 54th ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAEL'S STATEH0OOD

 Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, on this date 54 years ago, the 
State of Israel was founded. Today, all over the world, friends of 
Israel are observing this anniversary of Israel's independence.
  The United States, under President Harry S. Truman, was the first 
country to formally recognize the State of Israel in 1948. We have a 
legacy of a special relationship based on shared values, among them 
support for democracy and human rights.
  Preservation of the integrity, vitality and sovereignty of Israel is 
the cornerstone of U.S. policy in the Middle East, as well as a 
fundamental prerequisite for winning the global War on Terrorism.
  On this day, when Israel and its allies should be celebrating, 
instead we see daily acts of violence and acts of terrorism that have 
led to the loss of innocent lives. The ability of the people of Israel 
and of the region to lead normal lives has been shattered.
  The United States is committed to leading the international community 
in ending the conflict and beginning the slow walk back to negotiations 
for peace.
  I urge President Bush and his Administration to recognize the 
importance of ongoing U.S. engagement in the Middle East at this 
crucial time. As the world's sole remaining superpower and the leader 
of the efforts to eradicate terrorism from the Earth, our commitment to 
allies such as Israel cannot and must not falter.
  Once a framework for peace is in place, and we pray that day will 
soon come, there should be no question that the United States 
recognizes we will be called upon to play an ongoing role in the 
region, and we are prepared to accept that role.
  Again, we offer our congratulations to the State of Israel on its 
54th anniversary. And we assure our Israeli brothers and sisters that 
we share with them their quest for peace and the dream of turning 
swords into plowshares so that they can raise their children and 
grandchildren in a region of harmony.

                          ____________________