Schakowsky Statement in Support of 60th Anniversary of Israel

SCHAKOWSKY STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF 60th ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAEL

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) submitted the following remarks into the Congressional Record today in support of a resolution recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel. The resolution, H. Con. Res. 322, passed the House unanimously.

"Madame Speaker, I rise to honor the 60th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel.

I am just a few years older than the State of Israel, and I remember, as a little Jewish girl, the pride and joy my family felt that a Jewish state was a reality. My parents expressed tremendous relief that there was now a place in the world safe for Holocaust survivors, and a haven for all Jewish people wherever we may live.

We watched with amazement as an arid land turned green as it was transformed into farms and towns. We ourselves planted trees in Israel by buying a tree certificate and gave it to our family friends on every special occasion, so we could participate in making the desert bloom. We all stood a bit taller, and every Passover, the holiday of freedom, was sweeter because Israel wasn't just a longing of our people, but a real country on the map.

That pride burns brightly today. 60 years later, Israel has weathered war and terrorism and remains a strong, thriving democracy — the only democratic nation in the Middle East and America's closest friend and ally in the region. Israel has become a resource for the United States and the world because of her groundbreaking discoveries in the areas of medicine, energy, clean water, and security technologies.

On her 60th anniversary, the vibrant Jewish community in the Chicagoland area is proud of Israel's pioneering leadership and the strong U.S.—Israel bond, and works hard every day to strengthen and refresh that relationship.

I will always support the State of Israel, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote aye on H.Con.Res 322."