[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6928]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      COMMEMORATING THE 66TH ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAEL'S INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2014

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
66th Anniversary of Israel's Independence. On this day, called Yom 
Ha'atzmaut, Israel celebrates its founding by Prime Minister David Ben 
Gurion in 1948. Since then, Israel has stood as a dynamic democracy in 
the Middle East region with its rich culture, vibrant economy, and 
commitment to peace.
  Yet, independence has come at a great price. This is why, the day 
before celebrating its independence, Israel observes Yom Hazikaron, 
Israel's Memorial Day. On Yom Hazikaron, Israel remembers all those who 
gave their lives defending their families, their communities, and their 
country. This year, Israel honored the more than 23,000 soldiers killed 
in the line of duty and another 1,800 civilian victims of terrorism. I 
have always been deeply moved by the duality of Israel's independence 
celebration, at once both sorrowful and triumphant, and know of no 
other country that combines such profound sorrow with such a festive 
event.
  I am proud of the close relationship that has developed between the 
United States and Israel over the past 66 years. These ties, based on 
the common bond of democracy, economic vitality, and cultural affinity, 
remain as strong now under President Barack Obama as when President 
Harry Truman first recognized the Jewish State. From religious kinships 
to shared interests, and from military strengths to commercial 
relations, the friendship between the United States is unbreakable.
  However, Israel continues to face serious regional threats, and these 
concerns are also shared by the United States. One of the largest 
threats to regional stability and Israel's security today is Iran. 
Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons and support for terrorism pose a 
grave threat to both Israel and the global community at large. The 
statements of aggression made by Iran's leaders must be taken 
seriously, and the international community has a responsibility to act 
to prevent a nuclear Iran. I have supported numerous sanctions efforts 
in Congress to cripple Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons, and 
will continue to do so as long as Iran insists on pursuing its nuclear 
program.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have visited Israel 15 times as a Member 
of Congress, and to have called every Israeli Prime Minister from 
Yitzhak Rabin to Benjamin Netanyahu my friend. The United States must 
continue to support Israel's right to self-defense, increase its 
engagement in the region, and work towards finding a fair solution that 
enables both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security, and 
prosperity. As Co-Chair of the Democratic Israel Working Group, I 
remain committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to further 
strengthen our special relationship with Israel.

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