[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6400]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE STATE OF ISRAEL ON ITS UPCOMING 60TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. VITO FOSSELLA

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 2008

  Mr. FOSSELLA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the State 
of Israel on the upcoming 60th anniversary of its founding and condemn 
former President Carter's meetings with the terrorist leaders of Hamas.
  It is odd that former President Carter would defend his meeting with 
this terrorist organization as an opportunity to measure their 
willingness to accept peace overtures. The founding charter of Hamas 
calls for the destruction of Israel; this should be answer enough for 
the former President. By acknowledging these leaders the former 
President provides legitimacy to the terrorist actions committed 
against the State of Israel.
  For decades Israel and the United States have shared a strategic 
partnership in developing technologies that save lives both on the 
battlefield and in our hospitals.
  Madam Speaker, for the past 60 years, Israel has been a bastion of 
democracy in a region dominated by authoritarian regimes. As the only 
country in the Middle East with free elections, free press, freedom of 
religion, and the protection of minority rights, Israel continues to 
uphold the values that make it a true Western-style democracy.
  Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate the State 
of Israel on its upcoming 60th anniversary and I look forward to the 
continued partnership between our two great nations. I hope our 
colleagues will join me in offering our best wishes to our ally in the 
Middle East for 60 more years of prosperity.

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