Recognizing The 61st Anniversary Of The Independence of Israel

Floor Speech

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for H. Con. Res. 111, a resolution recognizing the sixty-first anniversary of Israel's independence.

Just eleven minutes after the establishment of Israel on May 14, 1948, President Truman recognized its status as a sovereign nation. That moment marked the beginning of an enduring relationship between our two countries.

Israel and its citizens have made outstanding contributions to global prosperity and culture. The whole world has benefited from Israeli advances in science, medicine, technology, and the arts. As the longest-enduring democracy in the Middle East, Israel is a strong and trusted ally in a volatile region.

After more than six decades, the United States remains committed to its friendship with Israel. This friendship has endured, and will endure, because our countries share fundamental values.

The Jewish People's Council, in approving the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel, articulated many of our common values, stating ``The state of Israel ..... will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel; it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture.''

On the occasion of its Independence Day, I congratulate the people of Israel for their continued commitment to these democratic principles. I look forward to strengthening our relationship based on our many common ties in the decades to come.

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