Date: 2009-05-04
Speaker: SCOTT GARRETT (republican)
Chamber: H
State: New Jersey

for introducing this important resolution celebrating this occasion on Israels 61st birthday. I also want to recognize the cosponsors for their strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 111. Mr. Speaker. on May 14. 1948. the State of Israel was founded when Israel declared independence and was extended diplomatic recognition by the United States. We must acknowledge the importance of the actions made by the United Nations in the 1940s in creating the Jewish State soon after the horrific atrocities committed by the Nazis during World War II where they killed some 6 million Jews and imprisoned and -viciously tortured many more in concentration camps. Mr. Speaker. this legislation honors the anniversary of the reestablishment of the sovereign and independent modern State of Israel and commends the leaders and the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements in building a strong and thriving democracy in the Middle East. while being threatened constantly with terrorism and war. The United States shares an affinity with the people of Israel. where we have a strong partnership based on democratic values that emphasize the importance of inalienable rights through the protection of the rights of individuals. maintaining the freedom of the press. providing for freedom of religion. having open and fair elections and. importantly. maintaining the rule of law. As the only democracy in the Middle East. we must commend Israel for their steadfast commitment to upholding democratic principles. Mr. Speaker. Israel is at the forefront of modern technology. and has continued to expand its advancements in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. I want to acknowledge Israels efforts in preventing and combating diabetes in the Pacific Islands. This is an epidemic which has drastically impaired the people of the Pacific Island nations. Israel has continued to work with the people of the Pacific Island nations either through direct or technical assistance. and I must recognize them for their support of the least fortunate in this part of the world. This resolution reiterates Israels significant global contributions. Mr. Speaker.. I want to praise the efforts of President Obama and his administration for making the Israeli Middle East peace process a high priority of this administration. This was reaffirmed when President Obama appointed Senator George Mitchell as Special Envoy for the Middle East process in his second day of office. Like President Obama. I believe that it is critical that Israel share a lasting peace with its neighbors in the Middle East and that a twostate solution. an Israeli state and a Palestinian state. will provide for peace and security in this important region of the world. Mr. Speaker. I want to end on an important note. At the National Prayer Breakfast held this year. former British Prime Minister Tony Blair who is now the Quartets Special Envoy to the Middle East. gave the most remarkable keynote address. In his speech. Prime Minister Blair mentioned a conversation he had with his Palestinian tour guide during his tour of Israel. At the Mount of Temptation in Jericho. and this is meant in humor. Mr. Speaker. his Palestinian tour guide said. "Moses. Jesus and Mohammed. why did they all have to come here?" This speaks volumes of the importance of this region when three of the most important religions of the world have a common cultural and religious history with the great city of Jerusalem. I believe today. as did the late prime minister and a great hero of mine. Yitzhak Rabin. that there will be a resolving and lasting peace between the Palestinians and Israelis who are in fact direct descendants of Father Abraham. I keep telling my Arabic and Israeli friends: You guys are first cousins. why do you keep fighting each other? You are all sons and daugl~ters of Father Abraham. I want to convey my personal congratulations to the people of Israel in celebrating their 61st anniversary. and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.