[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9648]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE 57TH ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAEL'S INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2005

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the people 
of Israel in celebrating the 57th Anniversary of Israel's Independence.
  As Israel's Declaration of Independence states, ``The land of Israel 
was the birthplace of the Jewish people'' and on May 14, 1948, the land 
of their ancestors was returned to the Jewish people.
  Shortly after Israel declared its independence, President Harry 
Truman began what has led to a strong partnership between our two 
countries by recognizing the provisional Jewish government as de facto 
authority of the new Jewish state.
  Today, 57 years after declaring its independence, Israel and the 
United States continue to share the common values and ideals of 
advancing democracy and promoting human rights around the globe. As our 
strongest ally in fighting terrorism, Israel, a country which has had 
to fight against terrorism and attacks from its neighbors for its 
entire existence, continues to play a vital role in promoting American 
interests.
  In return, we must continue to help Israel in its struggle for 
security by helping reach a lasting peace with its neighbors so that as 
future generations celebrate this day, they may do so without fear of 
the violence that has plagued the Jewish state since its independence.
  Mr. Speaker, I have had the privilege to visit Israel on several 
occasions, and have seen the struggles Israelis face daily. However, I 
have also seen their perseverance and determination to create a 
peaceful and prosperous state.
  In the short but rich history of the Jewish state, the Israeli people 
have created one of the strongest democracies in the world, renowned 
for their scientific, technological, medical and agricultural 
innovations. Their commitment to promoting human rights, to protecting 
the rule of law, and to open and fair elections is unparalleled in the 
region and is an inspiration to oppressed people around the globe.
  Mr. Speaker, I would again like to congratulate the Israeli people 
and join them in celebrating the 57th Anniversary of Israel's 
independence, and look forward to working with them for years to come.

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