H CON RES 111

HCON 111 IH

Recognizing the 61st anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel.

April 28, 2009

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

Recognizing the 61st anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel.

Whereas on May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was established as a sovereign and independent nation;

Whereas the United States was one of the first nations to recognize Israel, only 11 minutes after its creation;

Whereas Israel has provided the opportunity for Jews from all over the world to reestablish their ancient homeland;

Whereas Israel is home to many religious sites which are sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam;

Whereas Israel provided a refuge to Jews who survived the horrors of the Holocaust, which were unprecedented in human history;

Whereas the people of Israel have established a unique, pluralistic democracy which includes the freedoms cherished by the people of the United States, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of association, freedom of the press, and government by the consent of the governed;

Whereas Israel continues to serve as a shining model of democratic values by regularly holding free and fair elections, promoting the free exchange of ideas, and vigorously exercising in its Parliament, the Knesset, a democratic government that is fully representative of its citizens;

Whereas Israel has bravely defended itself from terrorist and military attacks repeatedly since independence;

Whereas the rocket attacks that have occurred in Israel in recent years have caused hundreds of casualties and have destroyed homes, schools, buildings, roads, power lines, and other significant infrastructure;

Whereas the Government of Israel has successfully worked with the neighboring Governments of Egypt and Jordan to establish peaceful, bilateral relations;

Whereas despite the deaths of over 1,000 innocent Israelis over the last several years at the hands of murderous, suicide bombers and other terrorists, the people of Israel continue to seek peace with their Palestinian neighbors;

Whereas Iran, which does not believe Israel should exist as a nation, is a continued threat to Israel’s safety and security;

Whereas visionary Israeli leaders like Yitzhak Rabin, Ariel Sharon, Ehud Olmert, and Benjamin Netanyahu were at the forefront of creating conditions for peace in the Middle East;

Whereas the United States and Israel enjoy a strategic partnership based on shared democratic values, friendship, and respect;

Whereas the people of the United States share an affinity with the people of Israel and view Israel as a strong and trusted ally;

Whereas Israel has made significant global contributions in the fields of science, medicine, and technology; and

Whereas Israel’s Independence Day on the Jewish calendar coincides this year with April 29, 2009: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress--

(1) recognizes the independence of the State of Israel as a significant event in providing refuge and a national homeland for the Jewish people;

(2) commends the bipartisan commitment of all United States administrations and United States Congresses since 1948 to stand by Israel and work for its security and well-being;

(3) congratulates the United States and Israel for the strengthening of bilateral relations in recent years in the fields of defense, diplomacy, and homeland security, and encourages both nations to continue their cooperation in resolving future mutual challenges; and

(4) extends warm congratulations and best wishes to the people of Israel as they celebrate the 61st anniversary of Israel’s independence.