Date: 2014-05-19
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of H.R. 2939. a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Shimon Peres who is the 9th and current President of Israel. I have had the honor of meeting with President Peres on many occasions. most recently in February of this year. He is indeed a person very deserving of the honor of receiving a Congressional Gold Medal for his contributions to our nations security interest in the region and his efforts to advance peace. A milestone in world history was reached on November 29. 1947. when the United Nations General Assembly voted to partition the British Mandate of Palestine. to create the State of Israel. The people of the United States began a long history with the modern State of Israel on May 14. 1948. when the people of Israel proclaimed the establishment of the sovereign and independent State of Israel. The United States Government established full diplomatic relations with Israel and this relationship has been fostered by the work of diplomacy and astute people who worked for the best interest of both our nations. I along with millions of friends of Israel will mark the 66th year of Israels independence in President Peres played a pivotal role in assuring the security and resilience of Israel during his years of service to that nation. In 1949. when Shimon Peres was 26. he was appointed head of the naval service. and after the War of Independence he was appointed head of the Ministry of Defense delegation to the United States. The time he spent in the United States during the formative period for the new government of Israel helped to develop strong ties within our government with the new nation. President Peres recognized the importance of an alliance between the United States and Israel. His presence in the United States helped to develop and solidify that relationship that has grown stronger over the last 6 decades. President Peres returned to Israel in 1952. at age 29. and David Ben Gurion. the Prime Minister of Israel. appointed Shimon Peres to serve as Director General of the Ministry of Defense. He worked to reorganizing the Ministry of Defense. and developing the ability of Israel to defend itself. Israel remains Americas staunchest friend in the regiona friendship that has grown stronger over 6 decades. Israel and the United States join to celebrate the accomplishments of President Peres in contributing to peace and security for the region. Israel shares the United States appreciation for democratic values. common strategic interest. and moral bonds of friendship and mutual respect. The establishment of a modern State of Israel as a homeland for the Jews followed the murder of more than 6 million European Jews during the Holocaust. This tragic chapter in world history will never be forgotten and the establishment of a modern State of Israel in no way relieves those responsible for that terrible crime. The people of Israel have established a vibrant and functioning pluralistic democratic political system including freedom of speech. a free press. free and open elections. the rule of law. and other important democratic principles and practices. Mr. Speaker. I join my colleagues recognizing the work of President Peres and look forward to his continued work to advance message of peace and security he has championed through his efforts as a statesman. scholar and leader of a great nation.