[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6982]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATING ISRAEL'S 63RD ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2011

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Yom 
Ha'atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day, and to mark the 6314 anniversary 
of the founding of the state of Israel.
  Despite enduring decades of war and terror, Israel has emerged as a 
strong and vibrant democracy, a close U.S. friend and ally, and a 
global leader in technology, energy, and scientific innovation.
  For me, as a Jew, ties to Israel are very personal. Growing up, I 
saved my money to buy tree certificates to help make the Israeli desert 
bloom. As a member of Congress, I continue to be a strong supporter of 
the State of Israel, of a vibrant U.S.-Israel relationship, and of a 
peaceful and secure future for Israel and the entire region.
  The U.S.-Israel relationship, begun a mere minutes after Israel's 
founding, remains critically important to both our nations. Based on 
shared values and interests, this deep and abiding friendship is as 
important now as ever, in the face of international threats and a 
growing tide of delegitimization.
  In February, I traveled to Israel with the Jewish United Fund of 
Metropolitan Chicago. In addition to discussions about regional 
developments and critical security issues, I also had the opportunity 
to learn more about Israel's excellent social programs as well as 
cutting edge research into green technology. As with previous trips to 
Israel, I left with both great pride and a renewed hope for a lasting 
peace solution.
  Today, we mark the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the state of 
Israel, our steadfast friend, ally, and partner, and we reaffirm the 
unbreakable bonds between our two countries.