[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 7]
[House]
[Page 9147]
[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 mark Israel Independence Day.
  Israel has stood as a symbol of perseverance and courage for the 
entire world from its birth in 1948. It has struggled constantly to 
maintain its independence and to ensure its survival amidst military 
attacks from hostile neighbors and prolonged terrorist campaigns. Even 
while at war, Israel's democracy and its vibrant, diverse and free 
society has remained strong. Its doors have been opened to victims of 
persecution and intolerance around the world. It has been said that the 
strength of a nation is determined by the caliber of its people, and 
there is perhaps no better example of this than the State of Israel and 
the Israeli people.
  Today, as the State of Israel marks its 57th anniversary, we 
reiterate our commitment to its security and its stability.
  I extend my best wishes and congratulations to the Israeli people and 
to the Jewish Nation.

                          ____________________