May 13, 1970
Page 15405
ISRAEL'S 22D ANNIVERSARY
Mr. HART. Mr. President; on May 11, 1970, the Senator from Maine (Mr. MUSKIE) spoke at the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee Luncheon, in honor of Israel's 22d anniversary.
Senator MUSKIE's message was an eloquent one, and I believe it, deserves a wider audience. I ask unanimous consent that it be printed in the RECORD at this point.
There being no objection, the speech was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows
REMARKS BY SENATOR EDMUND S. MUSKIE AT A LUNCHEON IN HONOR OF ISRAEL'S 22D ANNIVERSARY, MAY 11, 1970
Our presence here today bears witness to the continued vitality of a national and religious impulse that has persisted for three thousand years.
Our presence is also testimony that we stand firmly in support of Israel, for we all share her commitment to freedom and the sanctity of life.
I feel privileged to be able to share with you today some thoughts about the establishment of Israel and her role in the world today.
In 1948 a nation was born. Since then, Israel's spirit; character, and accomplishments have established her as perhaps the most gifted and vital new member of the family of nations. Her achievements take on even greater proportions,when one considers they took place and were preserved despite great natural and political difficulties.
Only three years ago the world watched anxiously as war erupted. But the Book of Judges still lived, and Israel's safety was again assured by her citizen army and the brilliant planning and foresight of her chief of staff.
Today, however, Israel's very existence is challenged anew.
Recent emplacement of Russian SAM-3 missiles coupled with the use of Soviet pilots in the United Arab Republic, clearly indicate that Israel does not need praise for past accomplishments, but present assurances that democracies like the United States will firmly support her basic right to exist.
In this time of crisis neither Israelis or Arabs can afford to disregard the importance of peace. But the goal of peace can only be approached if we first recognize both the paramount needs of national security and the overriding considerations of prestige and self-respect.
The Arab-Israeli problem may be the most difficult to confront statesmen in this century. It must, however, be successfully resolved. Failure would be catastrophic for the future of civilization in the Middle East. It could even write the final chapter to the story of mankind.
I am convinced, however, that the problem is not insoluble.
In moments of doubt, I take heart in Israel's almost miraculous creation which we are now celebrating, and which not long ago would also have seemed visionary and unrealistic.
I then can read, as a hopeful message for our times and the future these words of Isaiah;
"In that day Israel will be with Egypt and Assyria a blessing in the midst of the earth, whom the Lord of Hosts has blessed saying, ‘blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my heritage.'”