[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5881]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 62ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2010

  Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor and commemorate the 62-year history of the State of Israel.
  Officially established as an independent nation on May 14, 1948, 
Israel has grown into a thriving society guided by the philosophy of 
individual freedom and remains a shining example of a stable democracy 
in a volatile region.
  Israel's story is much like ours. It is a story of hope, perseverance 
and a desire for independence. Its people struggled to overcome 
thousands of years of hardship, and suffered the most horrendous of 
atrocities to create a proud and vibrant free society in an area of the 
world where, historically, freedom is all too elusive.
  It is our shared belief and dedication to peace and liberty that has 
solidified our alliance with the most successful democracy in the 
Middle East. Our nation was the first to recognize the State of Israel, 
and for more than half a century, Israel and the United States have 
been strong partners, bound by common values and committed to ensuring 
freedom throughout the world.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to offer my ongoing support and friendship 
to the people of Israel, as they celebrate their independence. I am 
confident that Israel will continue to flourish and that together, our 
two nations will continue to be strong allies and partners in promoting 
peace and individual freedom.

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