[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9660]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF ISRAELI INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2005

  Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on Yom 
Ha'atzmaut to congratulate the Israeli people for a remarkable history 
and to celebrate the strength of the U.S.-Israel relationship.
  In just 57 years, a land mainly comprised of desert has been 
transformed into fertile farmland, thriving communities and world-class 
cities. Industry and technology have boomed and most significantly, 
millions of Jews have returned to live in their ancestral homeland.
  A robust democracy has developed around the ideals of freedom of 
speech, freedom of religion, fair elections and an independent justice 
system. In fact, it is the only nation in the region to accomplish 
this.
  Brave soldiers have fought to defend their brethren and innocent 
civilians have courageously endured the constant threat of attack--all 
to live freely in their homeland. And, despite this constant threat, 
the Israeli people remain committed to a peaceful coexistence with 
their neighbors--a testament to their resolute and compassionate 
spirit.
  As remarkable as Israel's short history is, we must not take its 
existence for granted. While recent events have sparked new optimism in 
the peace process, radical terrorist organizations, such as Hamas, 
Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad, emboldened by Iranian and Syrian support, 
are as committed as ever to their core goal: the eradication of Israel. 
And by now, we are all too familiar with the daunting task of 
protecting innocent people from suicide bombers.
  Despite this reality, Prime Minister Sharon and the Israeli people 
plan to move forward with an historic and courageous plan to withdraw 
from Gaza and parts of the West Bank this summer.
  As Israel moves forward with efforts to live with its neighbors in 
peace and security, it is crucial that we continue to stand by her.
  We must defend Israel's right to engage in legitimate acts of self-
defense to prevent terrorist attacks in Israel;
  We must stand up for Israel when our international allies and other 
members of the international community unfairly criticize her;
  We must hold Syria, Iran, and any other country that aid and harbor 
terrorists, accountable; and
  We must push President Abbas and the Palestinian leadership to match 
Prime Minister Sharon's courage by taking steps to end corruption, 
crack down on terrorist organizations and end the media incitement that 
encourages hatred and violence.
  Support for Israel has been one issue consistently agreed upon by 
both Republicans and Democrats, through many different administrations 
and many different times. I am proud that this support remains so 
strong today.
  Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to stand by Israel and I know my 
colleagues join me in expressing Mazel Tov for a remarkable 57 years.

                          ____________________