[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 7450-7451]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             JERUSALEM DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2017

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on May 14, 1948, the democratic 
State of Israel was founded.
  This week, 69 years later, we celebrate a vibrant, Jewish state 
located in the biblical homeland
  In tribute to Israel's 69th birthday, I rise today to honor the 
Jewish people and their long-standing struggle to build and expand 
their country.
  Many of the Jews who lived in Israel in 1948 were survivors of the 
Second World War and the Holocaust, which pushed international opinion 
for the need for a homeland for the Jewish people where they could be 
free from persecution and free to build a better life.
  Since that fateful day in Tel Aviv, Israel and its people have worked 
tirelessly to build a thriving democracy that is economically 
prosperous and at peace with neighboring nations.
  Today, 69 years later, after many difficulties and hardships, a 
strong, resolute Israel has a population over 8 million.
  The first nation to recognize Israel's independence, I am proud to 
say, was the United States, when Democratic President Harry Truman 
welcomed Israel into the community of nations just hours after its 
declaration.

[[Page 7451]]

  The bonds between our two great nations, bound together by common 
interests and shared values, have only grown with time.
  Through Democratic and Republican Administrations, we have continued 
to stand by our ally in the Middle East.
  As most people know, I have been a long-time supporter of Israel and 
continue to advocate on their behalf.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope on this joyous celebration that we reflect on the 
need to redouble our efforts to bring peace to the region and continue 
to tangibly support our friend and ally in its request for peace.

                          ____________________