[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5985]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF ISRAEL'S 64TH INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 27, 2012

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, this week Israel celebrated its 64th 
Independence Day. Since its founding on May 14, 1948, Israel has become 
America's greatest ally in the Middle East and our commitment to the 
U.S.-Israel relationship remains, today, stronger than ever.
  Despite years of intermittent war and overwhelming odds, Israel has 
developed into a thriving democracy representing many of the same 
democratic principles that we enjoy in the United States today. 
Israel's vibrant democracy includes a very active free press 
representing a diverse set of opinions throughout society and a robust 
and fair legal system guaranteeing citizens' civil rights. Israel 
respects the freedom of religion for all of those who worship within 
her state and is a leader in the protection and promotion of gay rights 
in the Middle East region.
  Israel has also become a leader in the fields of agriculture 
technology and high-tech, developing a drip irrigation system used all 
over the world and tech devices used in many households and businesses 
with the same reach. Israel's medical technologies and military 
advancements have also protected U.S. soldiers on the battlefield and 
saved many lives.
  Israel's many accomplishments are truly inspiring and I am honored to 
recognize our greatest ally's 64th Independence Day.

                          ____________________