ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 13, 2005)
SPEECH OF
HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ
OF NEW JERSEY
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2005
Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I am proud to join my colleagues in the United States Congress and world leaders in celebrating the creation of the State of Israel on this 57th anniversary of Israel's Independence Day. On this historic day, we honor the achievements of the Jewish people and the Jewish state, and salute a young and proud nation that has accomplished so much in so little time.
In the 57 years since independence, Israel has welcomed immigrants from all corners of the world, including over a million new immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Israel today is a vibrant democracy, the only democracy in the Middle East, and a world leader in technology and agricultural innovation for arid regions.
We must remember that these great achievements have come at a great cost. More than 20,000 Israel Defense Force members have died fighting for the cause of a Jewish state in the years since the war of independence-over 169 Israeli soldiers in the past year alone, since the last Remembrance and Independence Days. Their sacrifice has created a beacon of democracy and hope for millions of Jews around the world.
We must also remember those innocent civilians who have been killed by terrorists trying to destroy the State of Israel and her people. By remaining strong in our convictions and our support of Israel, we honor their memory and move closer towards creating a peaceful and prosperous future.
On this Day of Independence, the United States of America and Israel stand side-by-side in our commitment to democracy, to peace, and to the State of Israel. The United States will never flinch and will never waiver in its support for the safety and security of the State of Israel and of her people.
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