[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5929]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        CELEBRATING THE 67TH ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAELI INDEPENDENCE

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                             HON. TED LIEU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 29, 2015

  Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration 
of the 67th anniversary of Israeli Independence, Yom Ha'atzmaut. The 
story of Israel is one of a country that for 67 years has defied all 
odds and a long list of existential threats not only to exist but to 
thrive as a powerhouse of innovation and national resilience.
  Every year, the celebration of the birth of the Jewish state comes on 
the heels of Israel's Memorial Day, Yom Ha'zikaron. The sirens that 
ring throughout the country to mark the day of remembrance serve as a 
stark reminder of the ultimate price its citizens have paid to make the 
State of Israel possible.
  The special relationship between our two countries spans all of 
Israel's 67 years, beginning the moment that President Harry Truman 
famously recognized the State of Israel only 11 minutes after its 
declaration of statehood on May 14. 1948.
  Since that time, Israel has served as a bright beacon of democracy 
and human rights in a region scarce with both. As terrorist groups like 
ISIS spread their brutality, a civil war rages in Syria that has 
claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of civilians, and a regime 
in Iran calls for the annihilation of Israel as it pursues a nuclear 
program, we are reminded of the importance of our alliance and shared 
values. On this day, we must reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the 
State of Israel and our shared goals of democracy, peace, security, and 
prosperity.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing the people and leaders of 
Israel chag sameach and a happy 67th Independence Day.

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