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[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 463 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

109th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 463

 Recognizing the 58th anniversary of the independence of the State of 
                                Israel.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              May 3, 2006

   Mr. Frist (for himself, Mr. Reid, Mr. Voinovich, Mr. Cochran, Mr. 
Vitter, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Santorum, Mr. Kyl, Mr. Levin, Mr. Lautenberg, 
     Mr. Nelson of Florida, and Mr. Biden) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
 Recognizing the 58th 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 1 of the first countries to recognize Israel, only 
        11 minutes after its creation;
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 the people of Israel have established a unique, 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 it declared its independence;
Whereas the Government of Israel has successfully worked with the neighboring 
        Governments of Egypt and Jordan to establish peaceful and bilateral 
        relations;
Whereas, despite the deaths of over 1,000 innocent Israelis at the hands of 
        murderous suicide bombers and other terrorists during the last 5 years, 
        the people of Israel continue to seek peace with their Palestinian 
        neighbors;
Whereas visionary Israeli leaders like Yitzhak Rabin and Ariel Sharon 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 the Independence Day of Israel on the Jewish calendar coincides this 
        year with May 3, 2006: 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) commends the bipartisan commitment of all 
        administrations and Congresses of the United States since 1948 
        that stood by Israel and worked for its security and well-
        being;
            (3) congratulates the United States and Israel for 
        strengthening their bilateral relations during the last year in 
        the fields of defense, diplomacy, and homeland security, and 
        encourages both countries 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 58th anniversary of the 
        independence of Israel.
                                 <all>
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