[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 8389-8390] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]SUPPORTING COMMEMORATION OF ISRAEL'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY ______ HON. JOHN J. HALL of new york in the house of representatives Thursday, May 8, 2008 Mr. HALL of New York. Madam Speaker, I am pleased that I have the opportunity to rise today in strong support and commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Israel. It is an honor to be able to speak on behalf of a country born in the aftermath of tragedy, erected against formidable odds, and yet has prevailed to become a beacon of hope and an example of the prevailing strength of liberty and freedom. Israel was not simply established, it was built. It was built through the toil, strife and resolve of the Jewish people and upon the premise of hope--hope that even in the wake [[Page 8390]] of the ashes of the holocaust, goodness can prevail. And indeed, as we commemorate Israel's 60th birthday, we can see that goodness has prevailed. In many ways, the path of Israel has mimicked that of the United States. It is in no way perfect and makes its fair share of mistakes. However, it is part of the same experiment of democracy, and built upon the notion of a state becoming a light unto other nations. In our century, the partnership between Israel and the United States has conjoined to thwart the existence of terrorism, advance the frontiers of human knowledge, and make an indelible contribution to the human condition. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to foster the United States' alliance and friendship with this great nation to join me in wishing Israel a very happy 60th anniversary. ____________________