Celebrating the 68th Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 68th Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day, which took place on May 12th, 2016.
Sixty-eight years ago, the founders of Israel sat in a hall at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and made the fateful decision to declare Israel an independent state for the Jewish people. Following centuries of persecution in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and even, sadly, the United States, with the worst culmination of anti-Semitism during the Shoah--in which six million Jews were systematically executed-- Israel became the first modern homeland for Jews.
I am proud that the United States of America played a role in the birth of this new state, becoming the first country in the world to recognize Israel's existence just minutes after David Ben-Gurion proclaimed Israel's nationhood. President Truman rightfully understood the new State of Israel represented the same western democratic values that the United States cherished, and acknowledged that an independent state for the Jewish people was long overdue. His endorsement of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948 sealed our two nations in an unbreakable bond that remains strong to this very day.
Over the last sixty-eight years, the relationship between the United States and Israel has flourished. In addition to promoting our continued shared values, Israel has emerged as a crucial ally in the Middle East, and a strong partner in our work to enhance global security. Furthermore, Israel has contributed valuable innovations to the global community that help our businesses run more efficiently and make our world more environmentally friendly.
Mr. Speaker, I stand here today proud of my work to support and strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship. On this occasion, I reflect on the importance of maintaining strong ties with Israel, and remind my colleagues of the importance of working together to create a lasting peace in the region.
I congratulate the State of Israel on its sixty-eighth anniversary, and am confident that our bond will remain unbreakable for years to come.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source