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[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 111 Introduced in House (IH)]

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;
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.
                                 <all>
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