[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 8]
[House]
[Pages 10749-10753]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING 57TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF STATE OF ISRAEL

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 149) recognizing the 57th 
anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 149

       Whereas in May 1948, the State of Israel was established as 
     a sovereign and independent nation;
       Whereas the United States was one of the first nations to 
     recognize Israel, only 11 minutes after its creation;
       Whereas Israel has provided the opportunity for Jews from 
     all over the world to reestablish their ancient homeland;
       Whereas Israel is home to many religious sites which are 
     sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam;
       Whereas Israel provided a refuge to Jews who survived the 
     horrors of the Holocaust and the evils committed by the Nazis 
     which were unprecedented in human history;
       Whereas the people of Israel have established a unique, 
     pluralistic democracy which includes the freedoms cherished 
     by the people of the United States, including freedom of 
     speech, freedom of religion, freedom of association, freedom 
     of the press, and government by the consent of the governed;
       Whereas Israel continues to serve as a shining model of 
     democratic values by regularly holding free and fair 
     elections, promoting the free exchange of ideas, and 
     vigorously exercising in its Parliament, the Knesset, a 
     democratic government that is fully representative of its 
     citizens;
       Whereas Israel has bravely defended itself from attacks 
     repeatedly since independence;
       Whereas the Government of Israel has successfully worked 
     with the neighboring Governments of Egypt and Jordan to 
     establish peaceful, bilateral relations;
       Whereas, despite the deaths of over one thousand innocent 
     Israelis at the hands of murderous, suicide bombers and other 
     terrorists during the past 4 years, the people of Israel 
     continue to seek peace with their Palestinian neighbors;
       Whereas the United States and Israel enjoy a strategic 
     partnership based on shared mutual democratic values, 
     friendship, and respect;
       Whereas the people of the United States share affinity with 
     the people of Israel and view Israel as a strong and trusted 
     ally; and
       Whereas Israel has made significant global contributions in 
     the fields of science, medicine, and technology: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) recognizes the independence of the State of Israel as a 
     significant event in providing refuge and a national homeland 
     for the Jewish people;
       (2) praises the efforts of President George W. Bush and 
     Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to create the conditions for 
     peace in the Middle East;
       (3) commends the bipartisan commitment of all United States 
     administrations and United States Congresses since 1948 to 
     stand by Israel and work for its security and well-being; and
       (4) extends warm congratulations and best wishes to the 
     people of Israel as they celebrate the 57th anniversary of 
     Israel's independence.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).


                             General Leave

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 149, the 
concurrent resolution now under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 149 marks the 57th anniversary of the State 
of Israel. Since its birth in 1948, Israel has stood out as a symbol of 
morality and courage. It has struggled constantly to maintain its 
independence, surmounting military attacks from hostile neighbors and 
prolonged terrorist campaigns.
  Even while at war, Israel's democracy and its vibrant diverse and 
free society have stayed strong. Its doors have remained open to 
victims of persecution and intolerance around the world. It is the 
nature of the Israeli nation and the character of the Israeli people 
that have helped form an unbreakable bond between our nations and our 
people, and we are proud to call Israel our friend and ally.
  The United States and Israel have a long history of friendship and 
cooperation. In 1948, the United States was one of the first nations to 
recognize Israel, doing so only 11 minutes after its creation. From 
that point onward, the relationship between our Nation and Israel has 
continued to grow.
  As the first and only true democracy in the Middle East, Israel is a 
remarkable example to its neighbors. Israel has an active free press 
that constantly holds up a mirror to the government and its policies. 
It holds regular, free, and fair elections and has a transparent 
independent judiciary. Israel is home to a remarkably diverse and 
multiethnic society that includes Jews of Middle Eastern descent, 
Arabs, Druze, and immigrant communities from Russia, Ethiopia, India 
and, indeed, all parts of the world. Israel exemplifies religious 
tolerance and respect.
  The Israeli people have demonstrated over and over again their 
commitment to peace and to security in the face of terrorist threats. 
Israel has worked with the neighboring countries of Egypt and Jordan to 
establish peaceful bilateral relations and has seen those bonds 
flourish and strengthen through initiatives such as the Qualified 
Industrial Zones which have brought prosperity and development to all 
of the participants involved.
  Israel has also continued seeking peace with its Palestinian 
neighbors, despite the relentless onslaught of suicide bombers that 
brought the deaths of over 1,000 innocent Israelis over the last 4 
years.
  Even while facing militant threats from its neighbors, Israel has 
flourished and has given the world great gifts through its literature 
and art and through its medical, technological, and scientific 
advances. The bond between our nations and our people has never been 
stronger.
  Accordingly, I wish to extend my best wishes and congratulations to 
the people of the State of Israel on their 57th Independence Day and 
strongly urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  First of all, let me say what an honor and privilege it is to 
introduce this resolution today with our great chairwoman of our 
Subcommittee on the

[[Page 10750]]

Middle East and Central Asia, my good friend and the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen). We have worked together so well and so 
closely on the Middle East and other things that it is an honor to do 
this with her again this afternoon.
  I also want to commend my colleague, the gentleman from South 
Carolina (Mr. Wilson), for introducing this important resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. Fifty-seven 
years ago, the State of Israel was established as a sovereign and 
independent state. Rising from the ashes of the Holocaust, Israel 
represented not only a refuge for Jews of Europe, the Middle East and 
elsewhere, but the fulfillment of the age-old dream of the Jewish 
people for a homeland of their own once again after so many thousands 
of years.
  As you may know, Mr. Speaker, the United States was one of the first 
nations to recognize Israel only 11 minutes after its creation. The 
home to many religious sites of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, 
Israel provides fair and open access for people of all faiths to visit 
holy places. The people of Israel have established a unique pluralistic 
democracy. In fact, it is the only true democracy in the Middle East. 
This includes the rights and liberties cherished by the people of the 
United States, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, 
freedom of association, freedom of the press, and government by the 
consent of the governed.
  Today, Israel continues to serve as a shining model of democratic 
values by regularly holding free and fair elections, promoting the free 
exchange of ideas, and vigorously exercising through its parliament, 
the Knesset, a democratic government that is fully representative of 
its citizens. Indeed, Israel and the United States have shared 
traditions and shared values, and democracy is certainly one of them.
  Unfortunately, ever since its independence, Israel has repeatedly, 
time and time again, been forced to defend itself from attacks. Yet 
even in the face of this adversity, the government of Israel has 
successfully worked with the neighboring governments of Egypt and 
Jordan to establish peaceful bilateral relations.
  During the summer of 2000, President Clinton tried to broker a 
permanent end to the conflict, where the Israelis signed and agreed to 
a very generous and deep concession. Yet Yasar Arafat rejected the 
deal, walked out and sparked his terror war. Despite the deaths of over 
1,000 innocent Israelis at the hands of murderous suicide bombers and 
other terrorists since then, the people of Israel continue to seek 
peace with their Palestinian neighbors.
  Regardless, the United States and Israel enjoy a strategic 
partnership based on shared democratic principles, friendship, and 
respect. President Bush has said this many, many times. And, indeed, 
all Presidents of the United States have worked closely with Israel.
  Our people share a true affinity of values and view each other as 
strong and trusted allies. As an American of Jewish heritage myself, I 
am proud to speak in favor of H. Con. Res. 149, which recognizes the 
independence of the State of Israel as a significant event in providing 
refuge and a national homeland for the Jewish people.
  The resolution also praises American and Israeli efforts to create 
the conditions for peace in the Middle East, commends the bipartisan 
commitment of all United States administrations and United States 
Congresses since 1948 to stand by Israel and work for its security and 
well-being, and extends warm congratulations and best wishes to the 
people of Israel as they celebrate their 57th anniversary of Israel's 
independence.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome Prime Minister Ariel 
Sharon, who is now visiting the United States, and wish him a safe and 
productive visit. In fact, the APAC conference, which has been going on 
these past few days in Washington, as we speak, is a reminder of the 
work that needs to be done to continue to solidify and strengthen the 
U.S.-Israel relationship.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he 
may consume to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson), the 
author and the lead sponsor of this concurrent resolution.
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman 
from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) for yielding me this time, and for her 
leadership on this issue and her leadership on the Committee on 
International Relations. It is particularly an honor for me to follow 
my good friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel). It is 
wonderful we can be here together as Members of the House Israel 
Caucus.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House 
Concurrent Resolution 149, which recognizes the 57th anniversary of the 
independence of the State of Israel. Since its establishment, Israel 
has served as a trusted home and safe haven for Jews all over the 
world. After World War II, Israel welcomed Jews who survived the 
horrors of the Holocaust.
  Mr. Speaker, I have visited firsthand to see the country continue to 
embrace Jews who are eager to reestablish in their ancient homeland. By 
regularly holding free and fair elections, promoting the exchange of 
ideas, and vigorously exercising in its parliament, Israel is a shining 
model of democracy.
  The evolution of this great Nation is a true testament to the power 
of democracy and the resiliency of the people of Israel. Throughout the 
past 57 years, the relationship between Israel and the United States 
has continued to strengthen. Israel is a trusted ally of the United 
States, and our two countries now enjoy a strategic partnership based 
on shared mutual democratic values, friendship, and respect.
  Additionally, I am grateful my home State of South Carolina and my 
hometown of Charleston were the home of the largest Jewish population 
in North America at the time of the American Revolution. Its provincial 
constitution was the first to recognize Judaism to be coequal to 
Christianity. The first Jew to be elected to public office in North 
America was in South Carolina. And the first Jewish fatality in the 
cause of liberty during the American Revolution was a patriot from 
South Carolina.

                              {time}  1615

  The bonds of Israel and South Carolina are strong.
  Today's resolution also commends President George W. Bush of the 
United States and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for continuing to work 
for peace in the Middle East. Despite the deaths of over 1,000 Israelis 
at the hands of murderous terrorists, the people of Israel continue to 
seek peace with their Palestinian neighbors. Their perseverance and 
strong spirit will ensure a bright future for their nation and the 
Middle East.
  As we recognize the 57th anniversary of independence, please join me 
in extending warm congratulations and best wishes to the people of 
Israel.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will not forget September 
11.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Davis).
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding me this time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to join with my colleagues in congratulating the 
people of Israel on the 57th anniversary of the independence of the 
State of Israel. Relationships between Israel and the United States 
remain strong, based on each country's expressed commitment to 
democracy, human rights and self-determination for all people.
  This past year has been a momentous one for the people of Israel. 
Israel won its first Olympic gold medal this past summer. Israel won 
its first Nobel Prize this past year, and the Israeli economy continues 
to recover.
  Israel as a nation continues to thrive. Its people remain strong and 
optimistic about the future. The negotiated end to violence and Prime 
Minister Sharon's proposed disengagement plan to dismantle Jewish 
communities in Gaza and parts of the West Bank move the peace process 
into a new and uncharted era.

[[Page 10751]]

  Now the attention of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples turn to the 
outcome of talks between Israeli Prime Minister Sharon and Palestinian 
President Mahmoud Abbas as to what will come in the wake of the 
withdrawal from Gaza.
  As we wish the Israeli people mazel tov on the anniversary of their 
independence, we stand ready to assist in every way in moving the peace 
process forward toward a permanent end to the violence and toward peace 
and mutual prosperity for Israel and her closest neighbor, Palestine.
  On Sunday of this past week, I had an opportunity to participate with 
a number of my constituents in a Solidarity Day demonstration in our 
community. Again, I simply want to congratulate them for their 
continued steadfastness. I am proud and pleased to support this 
legislation.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the citizens of Israel 
and the entire Jewish community on this 57th anniversary of the State 
of Israel's founding, also known as Yom Ha'atzmaut.
  For 57 years, the Israeli people have faced persistent challenges and 
threats, and they have prevailed--and will continue to prevail and 
flourish--because of their unshakable courage and faith in Israel's 
democratic future.
  Israel is today the only true democracy in the Middle East, and the 
foundation of her government is similar to our own--freedom of 
religion, freedom of speech, respect for basic human rights and respect 
for the rule of law. The American-Israel partnership is unbreakable. We 
are both nations of immigrants. We are safe havens for the oppressed. 
We are partners for peace. And we are united in fighting terrorism.
  I am pleased that once again this summer I will have the opportunity 
to lead a delegation of Democratic Members of Congress to Israel. Two 
years ago, I had the honor of leading the largest congressional 
delegation in Israel's history to the Jewish state. And, I believe it 
is imperative that our newer Members see Israel's security challenges 
first-hand and gain a better appreciation of her importance to 
America's national security interests.
  I urge my colleagues to support this important Resolution.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it was Theodore Herzl that 
said, ``im tirtzu ein zo agadah''; if you will it, it is no dream. 
Today we are here to celebrate his dream and recognize the 57th 
anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel.
  On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was established as a sovereign 
and independent nation and the United States was one of the first 
nations to recognize Israel, a mere 11 minutes after its creation.
  Israel has provided a unique opportunity for Jews from all over the 
world to reestablish their ancient homeland. In addition, it is a home 
to many religious sites which are sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and 
Islam and attracts visitors every year.
  Israel provided a refuge to Jews who survived the horrors of the 
Holocaust and the evils committed by the Nazis which were unprecedented 
in human history. The people of Israel have established a unique, 
pluralistic democracy which includes the freedoms cherished by the 
people of the United States, including freedom of speech, freedom of 
religion, freedom of association, freedom of the press, and government 
by the consent of the governed.
  Israel continues to serve as a shining model of democratic values by 
regularly holding free and fair elections, promoting the free exchange 
of ideas, and vigorously exercising in its Parliament, the Knesset, a 
democratic government that is fully representative of its citizens. 
Israel continues to bravely defend itself from attacks repeatedly since 
independence, such horrors that have become a daily reality for the 
people who live there.
  I want to applaud the Government of Israel for successfully working 
with the neighboring Governments of Egypt and Jordan to establish 
peaceful, bilateral relations. I have had the privilege of visiting 
Israel, and hearing firsthand how the government is taking great 
strides to ensure peace for generations.
  The United States and Israel enjoy a strategic partnership based on 
shared mutual democratic values, friendship, and respect. The people of 
the United States share affinity with the people of Israel and view 
Israel as a strong and trusted ally. I hope this friendship continues 
to grow and blossom for decades to come, as Israel settles itself in a 
firm place on our global map.
  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 
149 which celebrates the 57th anniversary of the independent and 
democratic State of lsrael. Today we remember and pay tribute to the 
creation of the State of Israel. The United States took only eleven 
minutes after Israel had been declared a state to officially welcome 
her into the community of nations. For the last 57 years the United 
Stated and Israel built a unique and strong and special relationship.
  The creation of the State of lsrael was a bold step in May of 1948. 
The first Prime Minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion, once said that, 
``courage is a special kind of knowledge: the knowledge of how to fear 
what ought to be feared and how not to fear what ought not to be 
feared.'' It is from such courage that Israel was formed and it is that 
that continues to maintain Israel as a vibrant and strong democracy 
today. We can all learn examples from the struggles that the citizens 
of Israel have endured and the grief they have overcome to remain a 
democratic outpost in the Middle East.
  Yet, much work remains unfinished. We all remain troubled by the 
continued violence in the Middle East and we all continue to pray for a 
peaceful end to the years of violence and terror. The United States and 
our citizens learned all too well about the effects of terrorism on an 
early morning in September of 2001. In that one day, the nations of the 
world rallied to our side, offered aid, and pledged to assist us in any 
way possible. Yet, sadly, events like that September morning have been 
frequent occurrences in Israel. This fact can to easily be lost as the 
continued violence and terror is pushed off the front pages of our news 
papers and out of the nightly news on TV. That is why it is important 
now, more than ever, to remember and support our strongest and oldest 
ally in the Middle East.
  I am proud to join with my colleagues today to reiterate our 
continued strong support of Israel, its right to defend itself and its 
people from terrorism, and to focus on the special relationship that 
exists between our two nations. I have had the pleasure to travel to 
Israel on a number of occasions, and these visits have only reinforced 
my strong conviction that the United States needs to remain a strong 
partner of Israel and remain actively engaged in negotiating a peaceful 
and equitable agreement between the parties to this conflict.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this resolution in celebrating 
the 57 years of Israel's existence as a beacon of democracy and hope in 
the Middle East. I also celebrate today the daily courage exhibited by 
the citizens of Israel and want to express my personal commitment to 
Israel at this important milestone in its history. I look forward to 
future anniversaries, and to the day when Israel and her citizens can 
live in peace without the need for courage against fear.
  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 
149, a measure recognizing the 57th anniversary of the independence of 
the State of Israel. It is my honor to recognize this anniversary which 
marks the restoration of Jewish independence with the establishment of 
the State of Israel in 1948.
  I commend the Israeli people for their remarkable achievements in 
building a new state and a pluralistic and democratic society in the 
Middle East in the face of terrorism and hostility. On this occasion, I 
extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to the state of 
Israel and her people for a peaceful, prosperous, and successful 
future.
  Independence Day is a celebration of the renewal of the Jewish state 
in the Land of Israel, the birthplace of the Jewish people. In this 
land, the Jewish people began to develop its distinctive religion and 
culture some 4,000 years ago, and here it has preserved an unbroken 
physical presence, for centuries as a sovereign state, at other times 
under foreign control.
  On this 57th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, 
we recognize that the Israeli people have created one of the leading 
nations in the fields of science, technology, medicine, and 
agriculture. The people of Israel have established a vibrant and 
functioning pluralistic and democratic political system that guarantees 
the freedoms of speech and press, and free, fair, and open elections 
with respect for the rule of law. With a strong democracy in a troubled 
part of the world, Israel has absorbed millions of new immigrants from 
all over the world. Some of these immigrants arrived without a single 
possession, but Israel welcomed them by providing housing, education, 
social security, and health care.
  I rise also to condemn the rising tide of anti-Semitism around the 
globe and to demonstrate the United States' lasting bond of friendship 
and cooperation with Israel, which has existed for the past 57 years.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in recognizing and paying tribute to the state of

[[Page 10752]]

Israel as she celebrates her 57th Independence Day and again extend my 
warmest wishes for a peaceful and prosperous future. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in supporting H. Con. Res. 149.
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. 
Res. 149, honoring the 57th anniversary of Israel's independence and 
thank the gentleman from South Carolina for introducing this 
resolution. From the ashes of the Holocaust, Israel rose to become a 
shining example of democracy and liberty in a neighborhood otherwise 
dominated by totalitarian and dictatorially regimes.
  The United States and Israel have had a special relationship since 
modem Israel's founding in 1948. The U.S. was the first country to 
recognize Israel, only 11 minutes after it was officially created. 
Since then, the two countries have developed a rock-solid friendship 
based on shared values and the fundamental principles of freedom and 
equality.
  A strong U.S.-Israel relationship is in the best interest of both 
countries. Israel stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the U.S. in 
countering the greatest threats to American interests in the region. 
When terrorists strike U.S. targets in the region or elsewhere in the 
world, Israel does not duck for cover but stands by the U.S. 
Additionally, no other country in the region supports the American 
position at the United Nations as consistently as Israel.
  Israel's 57th anniversary is a great day for not only Israel but for 
freedom loving people all around the world.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to speak in strong support of 
the resolution today honoring the 57th anniversary of the Independence 
of the State Israel.
  I congratulate the people of the State of Israel and the greater 
Jewish community on the 57th anniversary of their Independence.
  The creation of the Jewish State in 1948 was met with the immediate 
support and recognition from the United States, and our country has 
continued to consider Israel our closest friend and strongest ally.
  As Israel continues to fight against terrorist groups, it is more 
important than ever the United States continues to show our solidarity 
and provide whatever aid and support both economic and moral, to our 
friend Israel.
  Israel, as the only truly democratic nation in the Middle East should 
be lauded for 57 years of democracy.
  Israel continues to show the world that this small state who has been 
surrounded by aggressive states for most of its existence is here to 
stay. I believe the survival of the Jewish state is paramount and the 
United States must continue to encourage Israel's sustained efforts to 
defend the freedoms and rights it has secured its citizens.
  Since its Independence, Israel has endured the unstable and troubling 
conditions in the Middle East that have sparked several wars and 
incited much violence.
  Yet the Israeli people remain united and strong and continue to stand 
up for their nation. That is why I reaffirm the right of the Israeli 
people to always protect themselves and their state from the forces of 
terrorism, no matter where it may exist.
  Israel is a modern success story, the only democracy in the Middle 
East, the only Middle Eastern country where Arabs have the right to 
vote for their elected officials and their political leaders.
  Her detractors and those who hide their anti-Semitism behind anti-
Zionism must not denigrate the success of Israel. I am proud to be one 
of Israel's strongest friends in Congress and to wish Israel a hearty 
Mazel Tov on 57 years of Independence.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I commend our colleague from South Carolina, 
Joe Wilson, for his effort in introducing this is resolution and I am 
delighted to join him extending the heartfelt congratulations of the 
Congress and the American people to the Israeli people in recognition 
of the 57th anniversary of their independence, which they celebrated 
this month.
  Mr. Speaker, Israel is a tiny island of refuge in the midst of a 
roiling sea of hostile neighbors. Although relentlessly under attack 
since their nation's birth, the Israeli people have succeeded in 
creating the only democracy in the Middle East, and one of the most 
prosperous, technologically advanced, and reliably just societies on 
earth.
  In the 57 years of its independence, Israel has absorbed millions of 
Jewish immigrants from all around the world, including over a million 
immigrants from the former Soviet Union in just the past 15 years. This 
is a remarkable and unprecedented achievement for a country whose 
population was only 600,000 in 1948. Israel has given immigrants the 
opportunity to live lives of dignity and equality in a free society--
people who otherwise would have lived, at best, as second- or third-
class citizens in the countries they left behind.
  An indication of the vibrancy and vitality of Israeli democracy, Mr. 
Speaker, is the fact that Israel celebrates its anniversary this year 
as it prepares to resettle civilian settlements and disengage its 
military forces from Gaza and parts of the West Bank. This was Prime 
Minister Sharon's incredibly bold and courageous initiative. It will 
not be easy to implement, given the determined opposition of a minority 
of Israelis. But anyone who knows Ariel Sharon has little doubt that 
the disengagement will happen, just as the Prime Minister intends.
  The disengagement from Gaza entails not only political risks for 
Prime Minister Sharon but also security risks for Israel. It is in our 
national interest to assist Israel to reduce those risks. The United 
States stood by Israel when it took courageous steps for peace with 
Egypt and Jordan, and we will continue to stand by Israel as it 
undertakes risks in order to make progress toward peace with the 
Palestinians. The United States is also committed to helping Israel 
deal with the emerging threats of radical regimes and terrorist 
organizations in the Middle East.
  We must not forget, Mr. Speaker, that progress toward peace has come 
at a great cost. For the past four and half years, innocent civilians 
have been murdered by terrorists aiming to destroy the state, and 
Israelis have been killed only because they were Israelis. By 
supporting Israel in its struggle for peace, we honor the victims' 
memory and help to promote better future, both for Israelis and 
Palestinians and the region.
  The establishment of the State of Israel has been a great boon not 
only for those who live there, but it is of great importance for our 
nation as well. We treasure Israel as our most loyal ally in the Middle 
East and as the embodiment of democratic values we cherish. It is no 
wonder that the United States has played a critical role in supporting 
Israel's security in a bipartisan fashion. It is a record about which 
we are justifiably proud and a standard to which we will aspire for 
years to come.
  In recognizing Israeli independence, we reiterate our commitment to 
ensure the safety and security of the State of Israel for the sake of 
the Israeli people and for the sake of the American people. The 
historic ties and friendship between our two democratic states have 
been a source of great pride for both our nations, and we are committed 
to maintaining and reinforcing them. As the Israeli people continue to 
draw inspiration in their struggle for peace and security from their 
friends and supporters in the United States, the Israeli people should 
know that Israel has no greater friend and no stronger supporter than 
the people of the United States of America.
  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this 
resolution marking the 57th anniversary of the independence of the 
State of Israel, and to extend my congratulations to the Israeli 
people.
  Israel has had to overcome many obstacles in its 57 years of 
existence. On May 14, 1948, Israel proclaimed its independence. Less 
than 24 hours later, the armies of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and 
Iraq invaded the country, forcing Israel to defend itself. In what 
became known as Israel's War of Independence, the newly formed, poorly 
equipped Israel Defense Forces held off the invaders in fierce 
fighting, which lasted 15 months and claimed over 6,000 Israeli lives, 
nearly one percent of the country's Jewish population at the time.
  This war characterized the struggles the Israeli people have endured 
since 1948. However, in the face of this hostility from their 
neighbors, and the numerous terrorist attacks they have suffered, 
Israel has maintained the ideals it was founded on, pluralism, freedom, 
and human rights. Israel has served as a beacon of democracy in the 
Middle East and its shared values with the United States has led to a 
natural friendship between the two nations. We in Congress stand firmly 
behind Israel. The United States has a stake in the future of Israel 
and in the entire region, and we must make every effort to assist 
Israel in its struggle for security by helping reach a lasting peace 
with its neighbors.
  Mr. Speaker, the commemoration of the independence of Israel is an 
important reminder of the contributions of Israel to democracy 
worldwide. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating 
Israel's independence by supporting House Concurrent Resolution 149.
  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 57th 
Anniversary of Israel's Independence Day.
  Having long been the victims of discrimination and persecution, and 
fresh from the unimaginable horror of the Holocaust, the Jewish people 
of the world were successful in establishing an independent state in 
May 1948. Thanks to their heroic efforts, Israel was born as a 
pluralistic democracy that promotes the

[[Page 10753]]

values of liberty for all of its citizens. Fifty-seven years later, 
Israel continues to shine as a beacon of hope in a region too often 
blighted by oppressive and dictatorial regimes.
  Despite Israel's desire for a peaceable existence, its citizens have 
been the target of violence since the state's inception. These attacks 
have come from neighboring states, resulting in multiple wars, and from 
the coordinated efforts of terrorists. Innocent Israeli's have been 
targeted while going about their daily lives, often during activities 
as routine as boarding a bus or sitting in an outdoor cafe.
  Yet, despite the recurring waves of terror, the Israeli people have 
managed not just to maintain their independence, but also to thrive as 
a society. Israelis find themselves at the leading edge of innovation 
in the scientific and academic fields. The industrious Israeli people 
transformed an arid landscape into a model green space dotted with 
cities rich in diversity and culture. This resilience and vibrancy is a 
credit to Israel's open system of government, a system that respects 
and promotes civil rights, free expression, and genuine democratic 
elections.
  I am hopeful that a lasting peace in this troubled region can be 
reached. However, this cannot come at the expense of Israel's security. 
I will continue to demand that the Palestinian Authority renounce, 
immediately and completely, all forms of terrorism.
  On this day of independence, Yom Ha'Atzmaut, the United States stands 
proudly with Israel and remembers the sacrifices made by her founders. 
In addition, we honor the soldiers and ordinary citizens who have died 
in defense of freedom. The U.S. takes great pride in our alliance with 
Israel, and we find great strength in our moral and philosophical ties, 
as well as our economic and military partnerships. We will continue to 
act jointly with Israel to preserve her status as a secure Jewish state 
and a model of democracy for the whole of the Middle East.
  I urge my colleagues to support this concurrent resolution.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Daniel E. Lungren of California). The 
question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. 
Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 149, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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