[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 4709-4710]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING ISRAEL ON ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2008

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Israel on

[[Page 4710]]

its 60th anniversary of independence on May 14, 2008.
  Since Israel's birth it has been a beacon of inspiration and hope for 
oppressed people all across the globe, and Israel has continued to 
flourish by striving for peace and prosperity even in the face of the 
violence that has tormented it since its declaration of independence.
  Israel and the United States have been close friends and allies for 
the past 60 years.
  Our relations have evolved from an initial American policy of 
sympathy and support for the creation of a Jewish homeland in 1948 to a 
key partnership based on common economic interests, common security 
interests, and most of all, common values. We must continue to 
cultivate this relationship.
  For the last 60 years, Israel has also been a leader in technology 
and innovation as they have helped lead the way in science, technology, 
medical, and agricultural breakthroughs. I applaud Israel for these 
efforts.
  I have been fortunate enough to 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 and this gives me hope for 
future peace in the region.
  I would again like to congratulate Israel on 60 years of freedom and 
independence and I look forward to many more years of working together.

                          ____________________