[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 16456-16457]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF ISRAEL'S 68TH INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate 
Israel's 68th Independence Day commemorating the day before the 
expiration of the British Mandate in 1948, when Prime Minister David 
Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of Israel as the sovereign state 
of the Jewish people. I am pleased to celebrate that defining moment, 
as well as Israel's remarkable growth and success.
  When the United Nations issued Resolution 181 on November 29, 1947, 
approving the Special Committee on Palestine's partition plan 
establishing a Jewish and an Arab state, it seemed to be the 
culmination of decades of hard work and bold dreams. On May 14, 1948 (5 
Iyar), as the British Mandate was coming to an end, David Ben-Gurion 
held a special ceremony at the Tel Aviv Museum and read the Declaration 
of Independence (Megilat HaAtzma'ut), announcing the establishment of a 
Jewish nation to be known as Israel. The members of the Provisional 
State Council joined him in signing the document. America recognized 
Israel just after midnight on May 15, moments after the new nation was 
proclaimed.
  Since that day the relationship between the United States and Israel 
has strengthened and flourished. Israel remains a beacon of hope and 
justice in an otherwise tumultuous region. Democracy, freedom of 
expression, an independent judiciary and government by the rule of law 
are among the ideals shared by our two nations. As a result of our 
common outlook, the bonds of friendship between our two nations are 
strong and unbreakable.
  Like the United States, Israel is a nation of immigrants and draws 
its strength from the diversity and tenacity of its people. Israel has 
been a haven for Jews from every part of the globe, particularly those 
fleeing discrimination and expulsion. Israel has succeeded in 
integrating diverse populations and making them part of Israeli 
culture.
  By investing in its citizens, Israel has proven that a creative and 
resourceful population can overcome a lack of natural resources. 
Lacking potable water, Israel is at the forefront of desalination 
efforts. Lacking arable land, it has developed innovative ways to grow 
produce in the desert. Lacking energy, it has pioneered advances in 
solar and wind energy. Lacking security, it has built some of the most 
effective defensive systems to ensure the safety and welfare of its 
people.
  Given its record of innovation, it makes sense that Israel has more 
high tech start ups

[[Page 16457]]

than any other country in the world other than the United States and is 
a global leader in medicine. Israeli inventions have revolutionized 
communication, agriculture, imaging and other industries.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 68th 
Israeli Independence Day. Today we rejoice in Israel's success, embrace 
its people, and renew our nation's commitment to standing alongside 
Israel in defense of its right to safety and prosperity.

                          ____________________