I rise today in support of this resolution congratulating Israel on the occasion of its 58 years of independence. On May 14. 1948. facing overwhelming odds and almost assured destruction by its Arab neighbors. Jews living in their ancestral homeland. survivors of the Holocaust and Jewish refugees from around the world gathered in a small room in Tel Aviv to announce the creation the Jewish state of Israel. In the shadow of the murderous genocide of the Holocaust. the state of Israel was created so that Jews around the world would always have safe refuge from oppression and annihilation. In 1948. years of Zionists dreams culminated as David Ben Gurion announced to the world that once again Israel was to be a free and independent state. founded on principles of freedom and democracy. the new state of Israel was quickly recognized by the United States as a welcome ally in the Middle East. unfortunately. within hours of this historic declaration. the neighboring Arab nations attacked and sent Israel into its first war as an independent nation.
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refugees