[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17952]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RICK LARSEN

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 1, 2008

  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
the nation of Israel and her people on the recent 60th Anniversary of 
the founding of the state of Israel. The United States stood with 
Israel in 1948 as it took the first steps forward as a new nation and 
we proudly stand with her today.
  The United States and Israel are bound together by a shared history 
and shared values. We share thriving, plurastic democracies that allow 
for--and encourage--open political discourse and opposition. Both 
counties are governed by the rule of law and share fundamental freedoms 
such as the freedom of speech and religion. And our economies share an 
entrepreneurial spirit which gives those from all walks of life the 
opportunity to succeed.
  The United States has no better ally and friend in the Middle East 
than Israel. Both peoples strive to live in peace and protect our 
communities from those who would do us harm. The United States stands 
with Israel against any threats to the security and existence of your 
country, and we stand with you as you strive to secure a peaceful and 
lasting relationship with your neighbors.
  Madam Speaker, as we join with Israel to celebrate 60 years as an 
independent and free state, now is the time for the United States to 
reaffirm our support for our ally and friend. Thank you.

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