[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 7]
[House]
[Page 9133]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        CELEBRATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL

  (Mr. HARE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 60th anniversary 
of the modern State of Israel. Since its founding in 1948, Israel has 
flourished as the only true democracy in the Middle East, and 
established itself as America's greatest ally in the region.
  Mr. Speaker, last August I had the pleasure of visiting Israel with 
several of my colleagues, where I met with top officials and I toured 
the country. While I have many fond memories of my trip, I was 
particularly moved by the people's steadfast devotion to their 
homeland.
  In the town of Sderot, a constant target of rocket attacks from 
neighboring Gaza, I met a woman who simply said to me, ``We can't move 
from here. This is our home.'' Her resilience and perseverance is 
indicative of the spirit of the Israeli people.
  Amid constant threat from surrounding countries and terrorist groups, 
it is critical that the United States stand in solidarity with Israel 
as she fights to protect her people.
  Mr. Speaker, my experience in Israel is one that I will never forget, 
and I look forward to the day when Israel can live in peace with its 
neighbors.

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