Benjamin Gilman: “within 11 minutes of that recognition, President Harry Truman recognized the State of Israel. According to the Jewish…”

“within 11 minutes of that recognition, President Harry Truman recognized the State of Israel. According to the Jewish calendar, that anniversary will be celebrated this week. The modern state of Israel was reborn after thousands of years thanks to the leadership and years of dedicated commitment by Theodore Herzl and hundreds and thousands of men and women who, sharing his vision, worked tirelessly to make that dream a reality. The reestablished state of Israel became a homeland for Jews who survived Hitler's slaughter, as well as those who fled Arab lands as well as others in which they had been persecuted. Despite all of those difficulties, Israel has absorbed hundreds of thousands of Jews over the past five decades, and has become a thriving multicultural democracy that holds a special place as a strong ally of our own Nation. The special relationship that we in our Nation share with Israel is based on democratic values, common strategic interests and moral bonds of friendship and mutual respect. Israel is a strong and trusted friend and is an important strategic partner. Mr. Speaker, H.J. Res. 102 therefore recognizes the historic significance of the 50th anniversary of the reestablishment of the sovereign and independent modern state of Israel.”