Marco Rubio - U.S. Senate - 2010

Celebrating Israel’s Independence, Honoring Our Special Relationship
By Marco Rubio

As we celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of the state of Israel, I add my voice to Israel’s millions of friends around the world in congratulating the nation and our Jewish friends.  I also acknowledge that this day of celebration comes on the heels of Israel’s national day of remembrance for tens of thousands of fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism.

Israel’s footprint and impact on the world extends far beyond its borders.  With less than one percent of the world’s population, Israel’s contributions to its own society and the world have been remarkable in such areas as medicine, science, defense, business, technology and education, among others.

Sadly, even as Jewish people around the world commemorate this day, the state of Israel continues its fight for survival and existence.  On a daily basis, they struggle to build a homeland for all Jewish people, and for the right to live in peace.

Israel is a vigorous and true democracy, an anomaly in the Middle East, and one that has the right to secure and defend her borders.  Israel and the United States have a long history of cooperation and friendship, but I have grave concerns about the direction of current U.S. policy towards Israel.  The growing alienation of Israel has adverse consequences for the U.S., Israel and the world, as our mutual enemies are emboldened by any signs that Israel does not have our full support.

This is especially the case with the Iranian regime, which poses the most serious threats to global security today.  In addition to being led by a maniacal tyrant who denies the Holocaust, Iran’s leaders continue pursuing nuclear capabilities in defiance of the international community.  This threatens the very existence of Israel and threatens the security of the United States.  Recently, the U.S. Department of Defense indicated that by 2015 Iran may have the ability to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile that reaches the United States.  In addition, Iran continues to support terrorism targeting the people of Israel and our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.  For example, the Hamas terrorist organization, with Iranian support, uses Gaza as a base to wage its campaign of terror against Israel.

And recently, Syria reportedly supplied Hezbollah terrorists with long range missiles.  All of this threatens the existence of the nation of Israel and her people.

America’s leaders must commit to getting the United States back on a path of standing firmly alongside Israel.  This means supporting Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state and its ability to defend its people against terror, including homicide bombings, rocket and mortar fire, and other attacks.  Jerusalem should be the undivided capital of Israel, and the U.S. should work towards the goal of moving our Embassy there.

As Israel celebrates its independence today, we honor its proud history but also acknowledge the important challenges we must face together to ensure its lasting survival.  I join millions around the world in expressing my solidarity with the Jewish people and wish them a joyful and blessed Yom Ha’atzmaut.