[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5569]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        ANNIVERSARY OF YOM HA'ATZMAUT, ISRAEL'S INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 2015

  Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the anniversary of 
the creation of the State of Israel, known as Yom Ha'atzmaut, a day on 
which we celebrate its establishment and growth, and recognize the 
fortitude of the Israeli people.
  For 67 years, Israel has stood as a shining example of freedom and 
democracy in a region plagued by violence and oppression. Since 
President Harry S. Truman famously recognized the nascent state only 11 
minutes after its founding, our two nations have shared the common 
bonds of democracy, economic vitality, and cultural affinity, tied 
together in an unbreakable friendship based on religious kinships and 
mutual interests.
  As a Member of Congress, I have been honored to travel to Israel 15 
times and never cease to be impressed by the strength of Israel and its 
people. I will continue to do all that I can in Congress to ensure that 
Israelis have a secure and peaceful homeland. It is my sincere hope 
that through diplomatic efforts the future will bring a fair solution 
that enables both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and 
prosperity. I wish the people and government of Israel a Chag Sameach, 
a happy holiday.

                          ____________________