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




                        ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2012

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, this week, we joined people in the 
State of Israel and her many friends around the world in celebrating 
Yom Ha'atzmaut--the independence from British mandatory rule and the 
establishment of the State of Israel.
  The United States and Israel have shared a special bond since the 
establishment of the Jewish State in 1948. The United States, under the 
leadership of then-President Truman, was the first country to recognize 
Israel, only 11 minutes after its founding. Today, the United States 
and Israel continue to share a commitment to democracy, the rule of 
law, the freedoms of religion and speech, as well as respect for human 
rights. The United States and Israel also share a desire for peace and 
stability.
  Our countries cooperate closely on intelligence issues, partnering on 
the development of new technology to promote the security and safety of 
our citizens. Bilateral ties in trade were codified in the 1985 U.S-
Israel Free Trade Agreement. Today, the American and Israeli 
governments and businesses are working together to develop and promote 
new energy solutions.
  The Jewish people paid a heavy price for security and independence. 
Nearly 23,000 men and women have been killed defending Israel since the 
first Jewish settlers left the secure walls of Jerusalem in 1860. Since 
the end of the War of Independence, nearly 2,500 people have been 
killed by terror attacks in Israel, including 14 in the past year.
  Today, despite disturbing political instability in the region, Israel 
stands strong. She is among the safest countries in the world, her 
economy is sound, life expectancy there is among the highest in the 
world, and more Israelis earn advanced degrees than most other nations. 
And, at a time when our own country is challenged by polarizing 
politics, an astounding 88 percent of Israelis say they are proud to be 
Israeli.
  I want to extend my best wishes to the people of Israel as we 
celebrate Israel's extraordinary friendship and honor her achievements 
over the past 64 years.

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