Berman: “On Israeli Independence Day, we as residents of the San Fernando Valley, citizens of the United States, and defenders of Israel take pride in saying ‘The People of Israel Live, Am Yisrael Chai.’”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Howard L. Berman, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement marking Israel’s Independence Day, Yom Ha’atzmaut. The statement follows:

“On this day of joy, we mark the 64th anniversary of Israel’s independence. We celebrate the modern day miracle that is the Jewish state, a nation that bloomed from the desert built by a people who longed for a return to an ancient homeland. As festivities commence throughout the nation of Israel and the Jewish world, we know that this is a unique time in the Jewish calendar, a period when bitterness and sweetness are mixed together. The just-concluded Passover holiday marks the journey of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Holy Land. Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorates the murder of six million innocent Jewish martyrs and heroes. Israeli Memorial Day is observed with solemnity as Israelis gather by the gravesides of their fallen soldiers, and is immediately followed by this day, Israeli Independence Day. In many ways, this is the Jewish experience, where life is celebrated with zest, but is tinged with a history that at times is painful. On Israeli Independence Day, we as residents of the San Fernando Valley, citizens of the United States, and defenders of Israel take pride in saying ‘The People of Israel Live, Am Yisrael Chai.’”

On April 29th, Rep. Berman will attend a community-wide “Celebrate Israel Festival” sponsored by the Israeli Leadership Council (ILC) at the Cheviot Hills Recreation Center located at 2551 Motor Ave. in Los Angeles.

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