Recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the Modern State of Israel

RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE MODERN STATE OF ISRAEL -- (House of Representatives - April 22, 2008)

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Mr. CLYBURN. I thank my friend, Mr. Berman, for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 322, recognizing the 60th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. On May 14, 1948, when the world was still struggling with the aftermath of the Holocaust, Israel declared itself a Nation. Eleven minutes later, President Harry Truman made the bold decision to make the United States of America the first country in the world to recognize Israel as a sovereign state. That was the start of a strong allegiance between the United States and Israel, a close friendship that has grown and strengthened over the years, one that will never be broken.

As the only true democracy in the Middle East, we recognize Israel's struggle to protect its people, maintain peace with its neighbors, and defend the freedoms of a democratic society. As we join our friend and partner in celebration of this important milestone, we reaffirm the bonds of close friendship and cooperation that have been forged between our nations over these six decades.

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