Ritchie Torres: “Israel embodies the resilience, the ingenuity, the can-do comeback spirit of humanity at its best. One need not be…”

“Israel embodies the resilience, the ingenuity, the can-do comeback spirit of humanity at its best. One need not be Israeli to be inspired by the survival and success of Israel, which has persisted in the face of improbable odds. One need not be Jewish to be inspired by a Jewish state whose rebirth and resilience and resourcefulness is one of the greatest success stories the world has ever seen. A tiny nation the size of New Jersey has emerged, in the span of a few decades, as a global power and a global innovator, as a start-up nation and as a water superpower. The story of Israel's renaissance takes on special meaning in our present moment, at a time when our own country is reeling from the cataclysm of COVID-19. Israel reminds us that it is possible to overcome. It is possible to emerge stronger than ever. And it is possible, in the words of President Joe Biden, to ``build back better.'' Madam Speaker, Israel has endured for more than seven decades. And by the grace of God, may it endure for many more. ____________________”