[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5562]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     ISRAEL'S 67TH INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 2015

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the people of Israel as 
Israel celebrates its 67th anniversary.
  Since its establishment on May 14, 1948, Israel has proven itself to 
be a vibrant democracy, one that prioritizes innovation, liberal values 
and freedom. It is these shared principles that have created the 
unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel.
  Throughout its existence, the Israeli people have faced grave threats 
from hostile neighbors, defending themselves bravely against repeated 
terrorist and military attacks. Despite these hardships the Israeli 
people have not wavered in their commitment to democracy and freedom 
and have thrived economically, politically, culturally.
  The recent growth in anti-Semitic acts, including the attacks this 
year in Paris and Copenhagen, are a powerful reminder of why the world 
needs a safe haven for the Jewish people. Such threats to the Jewish 
Diaspora underscore the importance of Israel as its own protector, and 
the moral imperative for the United States to stand by her right to 
self-defense.
  As we celebrate Israel's Independence Day, we also remember those who 
have fallen in service to their country. I am proud to stand here in 
celebration of the freedoms that Israel stands for and will continue to 
ensure that the U.S.-Israel relationship remains strong and bipartisan.

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