[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[EXTEN]
[Page 5874]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE 64TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF ISRAEL

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2012

  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, it is with a strong spirit of solidarity 
that I recognize the 64th anniversary of the independence of the State 
of Israel. On May 14, 1948, as the world was working toward a brighter 
and less war-torn future, the Israeli people declared their 
independence from the British Mandate. The United States recognized the 
new State of Israel minutes after its birth and, ever since, our two 
nations have remained strong allies and profound friends.
  During its 64 year history, the State of Israel has weathered 
persistent threats with a remarkable resolve. The nation has not only 
survived, but has prospered. While ensuring the security of her people, 
Israel has maintained a firm commitment to democracy. We in the United 
States are fortunate to have Israel as an unshakeable ally in the 
Middle East. On this anniversary of independence, we should reflect 
upon the endurance of that alliance and renew its promises for future 
generations.
  I further recognize the importance of fostering our alliance with 
mutual cooperation. The second ten-year Memorandum of Understanding 
between the United States and Israel, which was signed in 2007, has 
established a fruitful security agreement that has served both of our 
nations well. A later Memorandum in 2009 further strengthened our joint 
commitment to counter-terrorism by pledging our mutual assistance to 
stop the supply of arms to terrorist organizations. It is strategic 
landmarks like these that help support the lasting bond that we have 
established with the Israeli state and people.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I 
ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing and 
celebrating the 64th anniversary of the State of Israel. I am proud of 
the historic relationship that the United States has with Israel and 
look forward to the future of our friendship.

                          ____________________