Congresswoman Schakowsky Honors the 62nd Anniversary of the State of Israel
Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the Jewish State of Israel. Israel has weathered decades of war and terrorism but it remains a thriving democracy and America’s closest friend and ally in the Middle East.
As a very young child, I remember the immense pride and joy my family felt when the Jewish State became a reality. I had the privilege of traveling once again to Israel earlier this month, and again I was struck by the resilience, courage, and innovation of the Israeli people, as well as their pride in the beautifully lush country they have built in the desert. I thought about my childhood again and the number of times I had saved my nickels and dimes to by a tree certificate that we used for birthdays and anniversaries to plant trees in Israel and make that desert bloom.
No longer just a longing of the Jewish people, Israel today is a leader in technology, energy, and scientific innovation – including medical innovation. It is also the only democratic state in the Middle East and our steadfast friend, ally, and partner.
Today, we mark the 62nd anniversary of the State of Israel and celebrate the unbreakable bonds between our two countries. Sixty-two years after the U.S. became the first country to recognize the new State of Israel we still share common dreams and continue to strengthen our critical relationship.
Just minutes after the declaration of the founding of the State of Israel, President Harry Truman recognized that country and it began a 62-year-long commitment, non-partisan, bipartisan – universal throughout our country – recognizing the importance of our relationship with the State of Israel. I believe that this Congress of the United States maintains that dedication and will forever more. Thank you.
WTTW Channel 11's Chicago Tonight
Jan on WTTW's Chicago Tonight: "You're entitiled to your opinion, but not entitled to your facts."
Jan on MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports
Democracy Now: “Blackwatergate”
January 8th, 2010
Blackwater is all over the news. In the last seventy-two hours, a series of breaking developments involving the notorious private military firm have come to light, ranging from their involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq, and even Germany, as well as legal cases here at home. We speak with investigative journalist and Democracy Now! correspondent Jeremy Scahill and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), a leading member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, who is launching an investigation into why two Blackwater contractors were among the dead in the December 30 suicide bombing at the CIA station at Forward Operating Base Chapman in Khost, Afghanistan.
CBS Chicago: Insurer Predicts Big Hike For Men
Jan responsds to Health Insurance industry claims and addresses gender inequality issues in the health care system.
ABC Chicago: Schakowsky appears in 'A Christmas Carol'
Representative Jan Schakowsky appeared in the closing day performance of "A Christmas Carol."
The Goodman provided more than 500 tickets to men and women in the armed forces.
Many of those invited Thursday will deploy to Afghanistan next month.
Congresswoman Schakowsky at the 2008 Democratic National Convention
Congresswoman Schakowksy addresses Invesco field on the last day of the 2008 Democratic Convention
