New Jersey-2018-AJR63-Introduced

A Joint Resolution recognizing the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel.

Whereas, On November 29, 1947, the United Nations General Assembly voted to partition the British Mandate of Palestine and, through that vote, to create the State of Israel; and

Whereas, April 20, 2018, the 5th day of Iyar of the Hebrew calendar, marks the 70th anniversary of Israel's independence; and

Whereas, The modern State of Israel was born out of the ashes of the Holocaust and World War II where the death of six million Jews did not eliminate the will of a people to seek dignity in life and a place of respect and recognition among the people of the civilized world; and

Whereas, Israel, from its inception, has faced hostility and has endured terrorist attacks which have indiscriminately killed many innocent men, women, and children; and

Whereas, Despite hostility and conflicts, the people of Israel have built a strong nation and forged a dynamic society, creating a unique and vital economic, political, cultural, and intellectual life for its citizens; and

Whereas, In its 70 years of statehood, Israel has established a modern parliamentary democracy, becoming one of the most successful democracies in the Middle East, and provided to all its citizens and residents opportunity through the highest standards of living and human equality in a region otherwise beset with poverty and human rights abuses; and

Whereas, Israel continues to strive for peace and security for the nation, its neighbors, and throughout the world shares innovations and achievements in agriculture, education, research and development, humanitarian aid, technology, solar, wind, and water power advancements, music and the arts in order to fulfill the prophecy of becoming a light unto the nations; and

Whereas, Israel, a nation the size of New Jersey, shares a very special partnership with New Jersey state, highlighted by, among other things of mutual benefits, a trading partnership of more than $1.6 billion relationships and new Jersey's enactment of both Iran sanctions and anti-Israel boycott legislation; and

Whereas, The New Jersey-Israel relationship has strengthened in the area of economic, technological, and people-to-people exchanges to the benefit of each entity; and

Whereas, Israel has been a steadfast friend and faithful ally of the United States over the past seven decades; and

Whereas, Given the close political, economic, and cultural ties between the State of Israel and the United States of America as well as between the State of Israel and the State of New Jersey, the Governor and the Legislature find it fitting and proper to recognize the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The Governor and the Legislature recognizes the historic significance of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the sovereign and independent modern State of Israel and commend the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic democratic society in the Middle East. The Governor and the Legislature of the State of New Jersey reaffirm the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between New Jersey and Israel for seven decades and recommit to working with Israel in its quest for peace with its neighbors and the countries in the region.

2. The Governor and the Legislature extend congratulations to the State of Israel and its citizens on the 70th anniversary of its establishment.

3. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly or the Secretary of the Senate to Israel's ambassador to the United States and its ambassador to the United Nations.

4. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

April 20, 2018 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel and the Governor and the Legislature recognize the historic significance of the 70th anniversary. The Governor and the Legislature of the State of New Jersey commend the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic democratic society in the Middle East and reaffirm the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between New Jersey and Israel for seven decades. The State of New Jersey recommits to working with Israel in its quest for peace with its neighbors and the countries in the region.