[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5565]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF ISRAELI INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                            HON. JUAN VARGAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 2015

  Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the State of Israel in 
celebration of the 67th anniversary of the declaration of its 
independence. Israel was founded and declared an independent state on 
April 14, 1948, moments before the British Mandate was due to end. From 
that point on in history, Israel has had to face many challenges that 
threaten the free and democratic nation. Under the administration of 
President Harry Truman and minutes after its independence, the United 
States found in Israel a friend and an ally.
  From the beginning of its history as an independent state, Israel has 
had to face and overcome constant challenges to its freedom of speech, 
religion, press, and to its democracy. Israelis have had to fight for 
the strengthening of their independence and their advancement as a 
global state. Despite constantly being threatened by turmoil from 
bordering regions, Israel has been able to flourish and become a global 
leader in scientific research and medical advancements, and a model to 
the world for its economic stability.
  Today, we celebrate the 67th anniversary of the declaration of 
independence of the State of Israel. We celebrate that Israel has been 
able to stand strong and thrive against all adversity. For this, I 
would like to commend the State of Israel for its tremendous 
accomplishments while fighting for the peace and freedom of an 
independent state.

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