[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7705]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  IN OBSERVANCE OF THE 56TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 2004

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I want to join my colleagues and the world 
Jewish community in congratulating the people of Israel on the 
celebration of the 56th anniversary of their independence. Israel is 
the only true democracy and our country's strongest ally in the Middle 
East. Since the United States became the first country to recognize 
Israel's independence, our countries have shared a deep friendship and 
partnership. We are bonded by our commitment to democracy and freedom.
  Since they declared their independence in 1948, Israel has faced 
continuous challenges to their right to exist as a sovereign country. 
To this day, we hear new reports almost daily of violence against the 
people of Israel. Thousands of innocent lives have been lost to attacks 
by terrorist organizations.
  As Israel's partner, the United States must stand with its allies 
against these violent assaults on the Israeli people and maintain our 
commitment to a free, peaceful and democratic Israel. As partners in 
peace, the United States must also support Israel's right to take 
necessary measures to defend its citizens against violence. The future 
of Israel, and the hopes of peace in the Middle East depend on it.

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