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Pelosi Statement on 62nd Anniversary of Israel's Independence Day

"Today, we join the people of Israel in celebrating 62 years of independence. Israel's founding stands out as one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century - and it will continue to shine as a beacon of hope long into the future.

"Israel's story is one of resilience in the face of terror, bravery in the face of danger, and courage in the face of threats to its very existence. A nation forged by pioneers, it has demonstrated an unbending resolve to succeed and thrive. A country sustained by immigrants, it has pursued a path of innovation, promoted creativity, and embraced diversity and new ideas. A people bound by the hope to be a free nation in the land of their ancestors, Israel has fulfilled the promise of one of Zionism's founders, Theodore Herzl: 'If you will it, it is not a dream.'

"Just minutes after Israel declared independence, President Harry Truman made the United States the first nation to recognize the Jewish state. In that same tradition, America's support for a future of peace and security for Israel remains unwavering.

"In Congress, we will keep standing united to advance causes critical to Israel's future: aid to ensure Israel's strength; an enduring peace between Israel and her neighbors; and measures to halt Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons which are a threat to Israel and indeed, the entire world.

"For more than six decades, our nations have been bound together by common values of democracy and freedom. For the decades to come, we will continue to share a special, unbreakable bond with Israel's government and its people. On behalf of all Members of Congress, I wish all Israelis a happy Independence Day."

SOURCE Office of the Speaker of the House