Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Allyson Schwartz entered the following statement into the Congressional Record congratulating and honoring Israel on their 60th of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day.

“Madame Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60th anniversary of Yom Ha’atzmaut – Israel’s Independence Day, to congratulate the Israeli people on their significant accomplishment, and to celebrate the strong U.S.-Israel relationship.

“As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I very much appreciate the important role that Israel plays in the world for the Jewish people. On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was created providing a new homeland and safe haven for those who most recently had survived the Holocaust and for Jews before and since who had been scattered throughout the world after a millennia of conflict, discrimination, and persecution.

“I am proud that the United States was one of the first countries to recognize Israel. Today, the U.S.-Israel relationship continues to be strong. And I pledge to work with our trusted ally to pursue a stable and peaceful Middle East, which assures safety and security for the State of Israel.

“In the quest for peace in the Middle East, the United States has no stronger partner than Israel. As the Middle East’s only democratic country, Israel is an important example for other countries in the region. It has free elections, a free press, and protection of minority rights. It is a strong and vibrant democracy and a trusted friend.

“Maintaining a democratic society has not been easy. Israel has endured neighbors that have attempted to wipe it off of the map, and it continues to face threats from terrorist organizations which oppose Israel’s existence and seek to disrupt any possibility of a peaceful coexistence for all people.

“Even today as Israel seeks security within its borders and peace with its neighbors, radical extremists attack its citizens with daily rocket barrages. It is crucially important that we stand by our friend and ally, now and in the future.

“It is important to note that support for Israel is an issue that Democrats and Republicans here in Congress consistently work on in a bipartisan manner. Our willingness to work together sends a strong message internationally that the United States is committed to our friend and partner, Israel.

“Madame Speaker, it is truly an honor to stand by Israel and I know my colleagues join me in expressing Mazel Tov to all Israelis for a remarkable 60 years and to wish Israel and its people a safe and secure future.”

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