WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the 61st anniversary of Israel’s independence, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan resolution commemorating the 61 historic years since the state’s founding. Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Malden.) pledged his continued support of Israel and submitted the following statement for the Congressional record:

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.Con.Res. 111 recognizing the 61st anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel.

This resolution enjoys bipartisan support, because Americans from across the political spectrum agree that the State of Israel is a great friend of the United States, and we all celebrate the anniversary of its founding today.

As we mark this anniversary, it is fitting that we also note a new American tradition.  May 1st of this year marked the beginning of the 4th annual Jewish American Heritage Month, during which we celebrate the many contributions that American Jews have made to the society in which we live and thrive.  When the first Jewish settlers came to this land, they sought a place of promise where they could practice their faith in freedom and live in liberty.  

The history of Jews in the United States includes the earliest days of the Republic, when in 1790, a member of the oldest synagogue still standing in the United States – the Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island - wrote to George Washington, expressing his support for Washington's administration and good wishes for the first president. President Washington sent a letter in response, which read in part:

“...the Government of the United States...gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance...May the children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and figtree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy."

These many years later, I encourage all Americans to stop and think about the great gains in medicine, literature, journalism, law, entertainment and fine arts that have been made due in no small part to the role of our Jewish friends and neighbors have played in American society. 

I will also note that as a nation of immigrants, our culture has been enriched by the traditions that settlers from across the globe have been able to incorporate into their daily lives as Americans.  In the Jewish culture, the phrase tikkum olam directs believers to live their lives to heal the world.  There is no better guiding principle in these challenging times, and our shared American culture is stronger because of it. 

On the occasion of Israel’s 61st anniversary, and as we celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans in our daily lives, I look forward to the future of our friend and ally, the State of Israel, and to the prospects for peace in the Middle East. 

I will remain steadfast in my support of an independent Jewish state, and I am hopeful that we will soon reach the day when children will have to turn to the history books to learn that there ever was conflict in the Middle East.

President Obama has begun the vital work of reengaging the United States in the quest for peace in the Middle East by appointing George Mitchell as Special Envoy for Middle East Peace.  As we commemorate the 61 historic years since the founding of the state of Israel we must also look to the future, and I believe the future for Israel is bright. 

I congratulate the State of Israel on its 61st anniversary, and I urge adoption of this Resolution.

I yield back the remainder of my time.