[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 5]
[House]
[Page 6922]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING ISRAEL ON HER 63RD BIRTHDAY

  (Mr. DEUTCH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and to celebrate the 
State of Israel on her 63rd birthday.
  Sixty-three years ago, Israel was founded against all odds, through 
enormous courage and after a difficult struggle. Now she is the beacon 
of freedom and hope throughout the region.
  As the only true democratic society in the Middle East, Israel has 
built a technologically advanced and thriving economy. Israel's a world 
leader in biotechnology research and is home to some of the world's 
great entrepreneurial success stories. Her people enjoy freedom of 
expression in all forms, and she boasts one of the strongest records on 
human rights.
  The United States, as the first country to recognize Israel's 
independence, forged an unbreakable bond with Israel through our shared 
values and goals, and the partnership and cooperation between our two 
countries has never been stronger. The United States is committed to 
ensuring Israel's ability to defend herself and will continue to 
provide the most advanced assistance in security and the most robust 
economic aid.
  In 63 years, Israel has persevered against all odds, against foreign 
armies, terrorism, and those who deny her right to exist.
  Today we reaffirm the bond between the United States and Israel, that 
it will not be broken. And today the United States stands firmly with 
our great ally Israel in true friendship and celebration.

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