[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10429]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CENTRAL NEW JERSEY HONORS THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER MIDDLESEX 
 COUNTY, THE U.S.-ISRAEL RELATIONSHIP AND FIFTY-FIVE YEARS OF ISRAELI 
                               STATEHOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2003

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Jewish 
Federation of Greater Middlesex County whose members will demonstrate 
their support for the U.S.-Israel relationship on May 4, 2003 with a 
Middlesex County community wide ``Walk for Israel'' in Johnson Park, 
Highland Park, New Jersey. I applaud the members of the Jewish 
Federation not only for their commitment to Israel, but for the service 
they provide to the less fortunate members of our Central New Jersey 
community. Their heartfelt work to improve the lives of others 
regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity is a testament to their 
humanity and we are proud to have them here in New Jersey.
  I also rise today to recognize the strong U.S.-Israel relationship 
and to celebrate the 55th year of Israeli Statehood. Since it was 
founded in 1948 and with prompt U.S. recognition, Israel has stood firm 
as an ally of the United States and its interests in the Middle East. 
Our citizens maintain a deeply rooted friendship based upon common 
interests, a shared commitment to democracy, individual freedoms, and a 
rejection of extremism and terrorism.
  New Jerseyans have a special relationship with Israel. We have a 
special sister state relationship with the State of Israel through the 
New Jersey-Israel Commission. Israel, as a valued partner in trade and 
cultural exchange, receives the continued support of our citizens.
  Since 1948, the State of Israel has committed itself to living in 
harmony and mutual respect with its neighbors and to arriving at a 
peaceful solution to the conflict with the Palestinians. For most of 
the last three years, however, Israelis and Palestinians have found 
themselves in a violent and crippling deterioration of relations. 
Thousands have died in horrible violence that has torn through the 
hearts of both the Israeli and Palestinian communities.
  With the introduction of the so-called ``Roadmap'' yesterday by 
President Bush, I hope we are at a renewed moment of hope. The people 
of New Jersey believe that the future security of Israel depends upon 
bringing end to terrorism, bloodshed, and human suffering and to 
establishing a just, permanent peace with the Palestinians.
  I rise today in recognition of the Jewish Federation of Greater 
Middlesex County, the special U.S.-Israel relationship, and to 
celebrate 55 years of Israeli independence. Let us commit ourselves to 
work together with Israel so that she will enjoy her next 55 years at 
peace with her neighbors.

                          ____________________