[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 5]
[House]
[Page 6030]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE 62ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Yom 
HaAtzmaut, the 62nd anniversary of the independence of the State of 
Israel, and to reaffirm the unbreakable bond between our two democratic 
nations.
  Sixty-two years ago, on May 14, 1948, the State of Israel declared 
sovereignty and independence as a homeland for the Jewish people. With 
little resources and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Israel has 
become a thriving and prosperous democracy, and has made worldwide 
contributions in technology, medicine, agriculture, and environmental 
innovation. Despite this progress, Israel continues to face threats 
from hostile actors such as Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
  This was strikingly clear when I led a congressional delegation to 
Israel this past January. Meeting after meeting we heard from strong 
and resilient Israelis who have lived their lives under the constant 
showering of rockets and continued suicide bombing attacks. Put simply, 
we would not allow our government to stand idly by as hundreds of 
rockets and mortars came crashing down on the heads of our citizens, 
and we cannot expect Israel to sit idly by either. I believe the 
Government of Israel has not only a right, but also an obligation to 
protect its citizens. And I firmly stand by this right and obligation.
  Israel's commitment to democracy, freedom of religion, and human 
rights is a testament to the world view it shares with the United 
States. We face the same threats in an unstable region. But above all, 
we share a deep commitment to stand by each other and face the 
challenges ahead.
  One of those challenges that we faced together was the devastating 
earthquake in Haiti. I commend the efforts and generosity of the 
Israeli people who worked on the ground in Haiti, the State of Israel, 
the Israel Defense Forces, and the Israeli people for their outstanding 
contributions to earthquake relief in Haiti.
  In a world of great uncertainty, Israel has been a key partner, ally, 
and friend of the United States, and I look forward to our continued 
work together based on these shared values.
  Before I close, I would like to take a moment to recognize the Jewish 
community of South Florida, where I call my home. These inspiring men 
and women continue to work tirelessly with me so that we can be sure 
the Jewish State of Israel is secure and prosperous. And it is with 
them in mind that I say these next three words with gratitude, passion, 
and resolve: Am Yisrael Chai! The Nation of Israel lives!

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