Washington -- "I am proud that America and Israel have been -- and will remain -- the closest of friends and allies. America wishes you a joyous celebration and a peaceful and prosperous future," President Clinton said in videotaped remarks for the CBS Special "To Life: America Celebrates Israel's 50th."

"Over the last 50 years, Israel has seen blood and tears, but there have also been extraordinary triumphs -- making a once barren desert bloom, building a thriving democracy on hostile terrain, winning battles and now waging the most important struggle of all, the struggle for a lasting and secure peace," the President said.

Following is the text of the President's remarks:

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THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Mary. On behalf of the American people, I want to express our heartfelt congratulations to the people of Israel on the 50th birthday of your remarkable nation.

In May 1948, Israel arose from the seeds of the Diaspora and the ashes of the Holocaust. In Washington, some advisors urged President Harry Truman to wait and see before recognizing the new nation. But Truman would have none of it. He had a deep understanding of the suffering and the dreams of the people from biblical times through modern times. He saw a moral imperative in supporting a Jewish homeland.

In one of America's proudest chapters, just 11 minutes after Israel proclaimed independence, the United States became the first nation to recognize the new nation of Israel. Truman was a tough leader but when Israel's chief rabbi came to the White House to express his gratitude, tears streamed down the President's cheeks.

Over the last 50 years, Israel has seen blood and tears, but there have also been extraordinary triumphs -- making a once barren desert bloom, building a thriving democracy on hostile terrain, winning battles and now waging the most important struggle of all, the struggle for a lasting and secure peace.

I am proud that America and Israel have been -- and will remain -- the closest of friends and allies. America wishes you a joyous celebration and a peaceful and prosperous future.

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