[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12678]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING ISRAEL'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THELMA D. DRAKE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2008

  Mrs. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to the State of 
Israel and its proud 60 years of existence.
  Last month we were celebrating Israel's 60th birthday, and I was 
proud to vote in favor of a resolution honoring this great achievement. 
This month, I look forward in wishing Israel another 60 years as a 
strong and free democracy.
  I have always spoken about how my trip to Israel in 2005 was a life 
changing event. With a young statehood but an ancient history, Israelis 
are faced with daily and often costly reminders of the price of 
freedom. I do not believe a day has gone by since Israel's founding 
where it has not been subject to attack. Yet, through the sheer will of 
a people fighting for the right of a brighter future for their 
children, Israel still stands.
  Israel's tumultuous existence has lent itself to a very unique 
identity--one which can only be understood by the citizens who live 
their everyday lives in range of the missiles and suicide attacks of 
terrorists. However, these unfortunate consequences of proximity have 
created a nation of resolve--strengthening its foundation and purpose 
as a shining beacon of democracy in the Middle East.
  Israel is a story of survival and today I honor Israel's perseverance 
and wish our ally a hopeful future. Best summed up by the words of by 
Dr. Israel Zoberman, founding rabbi of Congregation Beth Chaverim in 
Virginia Beach:
  ``The Jewish state's perseverance and fortitude to turn adversity 
into advantage, never betraying the optimistic essence of its people, 
are ample testimony to the nobility of the human spirit it has so 
profoundly enriched and painstakingly guarded.''
  The determined vigilance of Israel is a sobering reminder to us of 
what it sometimes takes to stand your ground in the face of adversity; 
and let us remind Israel that she does not stand alone in that fight.