Recognizing the 65th anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel.

Recognizing the 65th anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel. Whereas, on May 14, 1948, the State of Israel declared its independence; 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 sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; Whereas Israel provided a refuge to Jews who survived the unprecedented horrors of the Holocaust; Whereas the people of Israel have established a 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 targeted Israel in recent years have caused casualties and have destroyed homes, schools, buildings, roads, power lines, and other significant infrastructure; Whereas Israel has signed landmark peace treaties and successfully established peaceful bilateral relations with neighboring Egypt and Jordan; Whereas it is imperative for all countries in the Middle East, and for United States interests in the Middle East, that these peace treaties continue to be recognized and upheld by all involved parties; Whereas despite the violence perpetrated against innocent Israelis over the last several years at the hands of terrorists, the people of Israel continue to seek peace with their Palestinian neighbors; Whereas Iran, which rejects Israel's right to exist as a nation, is a continued threat to both Israel’s and the United States safety and security, both through its support of terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah and through its ongoing efforts to acquire nuclear weapons; Whereas the United States is committed to ensuring that Israel maintains its qualitative military edge; Whereas the United States and Israel enjoy a strategic partnership based on shared democratic values, friendship, respect, and justice; 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 turned barren desert into a thriving country that ranks among the world’s leaders in economics, technology, health care, energy, and humanitarianism; 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 16, 2013: Now, therefore, be it 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 and in establishing a democracy in the Middle East; (2) commends the bipartisan commitment of successive United States administrations and United States Congresses since 1948 to stand by Israel and work for its security and well-being; (3) asserts its commitment to continue to stand with Israel during times of uncertainty; (4) expresses support for Israel's right to exist as a democratic, Jewish State, defend itself, and protect the lives and safety of the Israeli people; (5) congratulates the United States and Israel for the strengthening of bilateral relations during the past decade in the fields of defense, diplomacy, and homeland security, and encourages both nations to continue their cooperation in resolving future mutual challenges; (6) reaffirms its unequivocal, enduring, and bipartisan support for the alliance and friendship between the United States and Israel; and (7) extends warm congratulations and best wishes to the people of Israel as they celebrate the 65th anniversary of Israel's independence.

Summary: Recognizes the independence of Israel as a significant event in providing refuge and a national homeland for the Jewish people and in establishing a democracy in the Middle East. Commends the bipartisan commitment of successive U.S. administrations and Congresses since 1948 to stand by Israel. Asserts the commitment of Congress to stand with Israel during times of uncertainty and reaffirms its bipartisan support for the alliance and friendship between the United States and Israel. Supports Israel's right to exist as a democratic, Jewish state and to defend itself and its people. Congratulates the United States and Israel for the strengthening of bilateral relations during the past decade in the fields of defense, diplomacy, and homeland security. Congratulates the people of Israel as they celebrate the 65th anniversary of Israel's independence.