Honoring Israeli Independence Day

Floor Speech

SPEECH OF
HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY
OF MASSACHUSETTS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2010

* Mr. MARKEY of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, our great ally and friend.

* Over 60 years ago, Israel's pioneers began to revitalize an ancient land. Today, Israelis remain pioneers at heart--pioneers for prosperity, democracy and progress. They are once again facing challenges in their homeland with determination and a vision for a better future for their children and for their country.

* But even as we celebrate the founding of the State of Israel, we know that while sovereign independence is necessary, it is not sufficient--security of the State's people is also of paramount importance. The Jewish homeland must be kept safe, surrounded by neighbors who respect its right to exist in peace. Through sacrifice, ingenuity and innovation, Israel has managed to thrive for 62 years in a dangerous and unstable region of the world. Let us hope that the conflicts that have marked the difficult decades since Israel's founding will subside in the years to come.

* Indeed, Prime Minister Golda Meir believed that one day there would be peace in Israel, because there are mothers and grandmothers--and let me add fathers and grandfathers--in Egypt, in Jordan, in Syria and the Palestinian territories who also want their children and grandchildren to live in peace. Today is an opportunity to both acknowledge history and look to the future. I am hopeful that someday soon Israel and its neighbors will finally find the keys to a peaceful future side-by-side in mutual security, and the conflict in the Middle East becomes relegated to the history books.

* I congratulate the State of Israel on its 62nd anniversary, and offer my sincere wish for its peaceful and productive future.

Source