[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 95 (Friday, June 8, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H4985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING ISRAEL'S 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

  (Mr. PALMER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PALMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Israel's 70th 
anniversary of independence. The United States has no stronger ally in 
the Middle East than the State of Israel.
  Our relationship is one rooted in shared values and a commitment to 
freedom and democracy. Israel's dedication to political and economic 
freedom, free and fair elections, and freedom of religion provides a 
stark contrast with other regimes in the region.
  On this anniversary, I also want to recognize the important 
relationship between Israel and the State of Alabama.
  Few people know that 5 years prior to Israel gaining independence, 
Alabama became the first and perhaps only State to call for the 
establishment of a Jewish state.
  Seventy-five years ago, on June 10, 1943, in the midst of World War 
II, the Alabama legislature unanimously passed a joint resolution 
calling for a Jewish state, and for the Jewish people to have the right 
to self-government and self-determination.
  Since that day, in acknowledgment and support of our mutual values, 
Alabama and Israel have maintained a special friendship. Indeed, 
Alabama and the United States are proud to call Israel our ally, and 
look forward to our continued support of Israel and our continued 
friendship.

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