[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 10595]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY

  (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today we commemorate Israel 
Independence Day. Since its creation in 1948, the State of Israel has 
faced seemingly insurmountable challenges to its very survival, with 
conventional military attacks leading the way to suicide bombers who 
have murdered scores of innocent Israeli men, women, and children.
  Through it all, Israel has endured. As the only democracy in the 
region, it continues to be a beacon of hope and a model for her 
neighbors. It has been said that the strength of a nation is determined 
by the caliber of its people. There is perhaps no better example of 
this truth than the State of Israel and the Israeli people, vivid 
examples of conviction, courage, and faith; a people who served as an 
example for us all to emulate, as our own Nation had to come to grips 
with the horrors of terrorism following the deplorable attacks on our 
country on September 11. The bond between our nations and our people 
have never been stronger.
  The United States could not ask for a better friend and ally in the 
region. The Israeli people know they will always be able to depend on 
the U.S. and the American people. I extend my best wishes and 
congratulations to the people of the State of Israel on their 55th 
Independence Day.

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