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[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 175 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

110th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 175

 Recognizing the 59th anniversary of the independence of the State of 
                                Israel.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             April 26, 2007

 Mr. Brownback (for himself, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Coleman, 
     Mr. Lott, Mr. Chambliss, Mr. Craig, Mr. Vitter, Mr. Kyl, Mrs. 
  Feinstein, Mrs. Dole, Mr. Isakson, Mr. Bunning, Ms. Murkowski, Ms. 
    Cantwell, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Casey, Mr. Bayh, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. 
 Bingaman, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Smith, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Martinez, Mr. Durbin, 
  Mr. Specter, Mr. Biden, and Mr. McConnell) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
 Recognizing the 59th 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 country;
Whereas the United States was one of the first countries to recognize the State 
        of Israel, only 11 minutes after the creation of the State;
Whereas Israel has provided Jews from all over the world with an opportunity to 
        reestablish their ancient homeland;
Whereas Israel is home to many religious sites that 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 Israel has also provided a refuge to, and has successfully absorbed, 
        more than 800,000 Jewish refugees who fled persecution in neighboring 
        states in the Middle East;
Whereas the people of Israel have established a pluralistic democracy that 
        incorporates the freedoms cherished by the people of the United States, 
        including--

    (1) the freedom of speech;

    (2) the freedom of religion;

    (3) the freedom of association;

    (4) the freedom of the press; and

    (5) government by the consent of the governed;

Whereas Israel continues to serve as a shining model of democratic values by--

    (1) regularly holding free and fair elections;

    (2) promoting the free exchange of ideas; and

    (3) 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 Israel declared its independence;
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 citizens of Israel at the 
        hands of murderous suicide bombers and other terrorists since 2002, the 
        people of Israel continue to seek peace with their Palestinian 
        neighbors;
Whereas several Israeli soldiers remain hostages of terrorist groups, and were 
        unable to celebrate the Independence Day of Israel with their families 
        and friends;
Whereas successive leaders of Israel have sought 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;
Whereas the Independence Day of Israel on the Jewish calendar coincides this 
        year with April 24, 2007; and
Whereas recognition of the numerous achievements of the people and the State of 
        Israel is especially important in 2007 given the grave threats issued 
        by, and the clear intentions of, the Government of Iran: Now, therefore, 
        be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes the independence of the State of Israel as a 
        significant event for providing refuge and a national homeland 
        for the Jewish people;
            (2) strongly supports efforts to bring peace to the Middle 
        East;
            (3) commends the bipartisan commitment of all Presidents 
        and Congresses of the United States since 1948 that supported 
        Israel and worked for the security and well-being of Israel;
            (4) congratulates the United States and Israel for 
        strengthening their bilateral relations during 2006 in the 
        fields of defense, diplomacy, and homeland security, and 
        encourages both countries to continue their cooperation in 
        resolving mutual challenges; and
            (5) extends the best wishes of the Senate to the people of 
        Israel as they celebrate the 59th anniversary of the 
        independence of the State of Israel.
                                 <all>
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