Date: 1988-04-21
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. few aspects of modern American foreign policy have been as uncertain and at times confused as our involvement in the Middle East. Every facet of this area of policy has been examined. analyzed and debated for as long as we have recognized our vital interests in that region. And while the United States political position on myraid Mideast issues has been murky or u..focused. one area has been cystal clear: our steadfast commitment to Israel. Events of recent weeks. particularly the Palestinian uprisings along the Gaza. have caused many tofor the first timeseriously call into question Americas position as one of Israels foremost supporters and allies. Many of the specific concerns being expressed are. in my view. legitimate. and that is why I am in full support of the efforts being made by Secretary of State Shultz to reach a negotiated resolution of the West Bank dilemma. But as we reach for a settlement that is fair and just. it is important to keep in mind the historical bonds between the United States and Israel. Thus. the 40th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israeland this special orderpresents us with a timely opportunity to step back from the controversy and gain some critical perspective on our special relationship with Israel. Practicall since day one. it has been apparent that the futures of the United States and Israel are Inexorably tied together. As one of the first countries to give official diplomatic recognition to the State of Israel. we symbolically declared our moral as well as political support for it and its goals. We not only recognized it. we conferred legitimacy upon .t. And. it soon proved. rightly so. Over the years it has become inroasingly evident that the United States and Israel share something beyond a convergence of strategic interests. althorch we surely share that. too. As a democracy In a part of the world where the rar~ky of that concept Is exceeded only by the rarity of Its practice. Israel has withstood savage pressures and carried forward its e!.poriment in representative government. For 40 years. Israel has worked to adhere to the demanding principles of democracy. while simultaneously fending off assaults on its very existence. It has taken up an Incredibly ambitious challenge. and as one will when he aims high. Israel has occasionally. inevitably fallen short. But alwayu the Israelis have shown a great capacity to recognize flaws. learn from them. and move on. Their growth will. we trust. continue. It should be obvious by now why the relationship between America and Israel has endured and strengthened over these 40 years: committed to many of the same ideals and goals. we share a sense that we are both engaged in the same enterprise of democratic selfdefinition. And in the process. we both can claim fundamental successwe have made good lives for the citizens of our countries. In its short modern history Israel has cultivated thriving agricultural and industrial sectors. nurtured numerous universities. and taken a place as a major factor in maintaining military security and stability In the world. As is true for the United States. there is still much growth and maturation In Israels future. As we congratulate this loyal friend on its 40th anniversary. we pledge anew to support Israels efforts. providing guidance when we can and encouragement always.