IV 

111TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. CON. RES. 111 

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

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

APRIL 28, 2009 

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey submitted the following concurrent resolution; 

which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs 

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 

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; 


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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 


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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 

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 

2 concurring), That Congress— 

3 (1) recognizes the independence of the State of 

4 Israel as a significant event in providing refuge and 

5 a national homeland for the Jewish people; 

6 (2) commends the bipartisan commitment of all 

7 United States administrations and United States 

8 Congresses since 1948 to stand by Israel and work 

9 for its security and well-being; 

10 (3) congratulates the United States and Israel 

11 for the strengthening of bilateral relations in recent 

12 years in the fields of defense, diplomacy, and home13 land security, and encourages both nations to conVerDate Nov 24 2008 03:01 Apr 29, 2009 Jkt 079200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\HC111.IH HC111

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1 tinue their cooperation in resolving future mutual 

2 challenges; and 

3 (4) extends warm congratulations and best 

4 wishes to the people of Israel as they celebrate the 

5 61st anniversary of Israel’s independence. 

Æ 


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