[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5984]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     COMMEMORATION OF THE 64TH ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAEL'S INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 27, 2012

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the State of Israel is the 
premiere functioning democracy in the Middle East and has been a 
steadfast ally of our great nation since its inception. I would like to 
congratulate the state of Israel on the 64th anniversary of its 
independence. The citizens of Israel have persevered in the face of 
great adversity to establish and maintain a free and democratic nation 
in their homeland.
  Israel was founded on the principles of a shared destiny of the 
Jewish people and their cultural heritage. Despite the acts of violence 
and wars that have ensued, Israel has persisted in its pursuit of its 
right to exist in the Middle East. Israel has also played the important 
role of a refuge for the Jewish people, as well as African peoples, who 
have suffered great atrocities.
  I speak from my heart, having personally witnessed the beauty and 
majesty of Israel and its people. I have prayed before the Wailing Wall 
and gazed at the skyline of Jerusalem. Let us today reaffirm our 
unwavering commitment to our great friend and ally, Israel.

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