[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 5635]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1020
                        ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HOYER. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, 64 years ago, the State 
of Israel was born out of the hope of a generation and on the heels of 
history's darkest human tragedy. Notwithstanding the many grave 
challenges that it has faced since that day and still in our time, 
Israel has achieved a thriving economy, a strong national defense, and 
an important role as a member of the family of nations.
  Israel's existence itself is a powerful symbol of the Jewish people's 
resolve never again to permit its sons and daughters to face the threat 
of persecution or genocide. On my many visits to Israel, I have 
witnessed the triumph of a dream--a beautiful dream that sustained the 
Jewish people for 2,000 years and that has been fulfilled through the 
blossoming of a desert, the emergence of Israel's high-tech economy, 
and the freedoms of speech, press, and religion for its citizens of 
every faith.
  Israel continues to impress the world with her achievements in 
business, technology, sports, the arts, and the defense of human 
rights. They are even more remarkable when considering the very real 
dangers Israel faces in the form of terrorism, regional instability, 
and the threat from Iran.
  For Americans, Israel's peace and security has always been an 
important national interest of the United States of America. As 
President Obama has made very clear, our countries will continue to 
work closely together to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran. Not only do the 
United States and Israel share common interests; we also share common 
values. Democracy, equal opportunity, human rights, and a yearning for 
peace are the ideals we hold in our hearts, and together we have worked 
for 64 years to defend them and promote them.
  On the anniversary of Israel's independence, Americans continue to 
stand side by side with Israel as it pursues peace and security for its 
people and, yes, for its region.
  I pray for the peace of Israel and its people and for all the people 
of that troubled region. And I know the strong bonds between our 
nations will endure for generations to come. Those futures were what we 
worked so hard to make possible for thousands and thousands.

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