[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10415]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF 55 YEARS OF ISRAELI INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2003

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge that on May 7, 
2003 the State of Israel will be celebrating its independence and fifty 
five years of statehood. Since its founding in 1948, Israel has served 
as a staunch ally on behalf of America's vital interests in the Middle 
East and internationally.
  Mr. Speaker, being that the citizens of the United States and Israel 
maintain a deeply rooted friendship based upon a commonality of 
interests and shared core ideals, including a dedication to democracy 
and individual freedoms, I ask that we rise up in recognition of 
Israel's independence.
  I would also like to recognize the special sister relationship that 
the State of New Jersey has forged with the State of Israel, through 
the New Jersey-Israel Commission. Israel has repeatedly proven itself 
as a valued partner in trade and mutual cultural exchange, and has 
earned the support of New Jersey's citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to recognize a special group 
of constituents from the 6th District of New Jersey who will be showing 
their support for this unique relationship by ``Walking For Israel'' on 
May 4th. I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the Jewish 
Federation of Greater Middlesex County for sponsoring such an event. It 
is my hope that America's citizens will mark this occasion and 
demonstrate their support for the US-Israeli relationship with similar 
events across the country.

                          ____________________