•HCON 111 IH 
Whereas the people of Israel have established a unique, plu-
ralistic democracy which includes the freedoms cherished 
by the people of the United States, including freedom of 
speech, freedom of religion, freedom of association, free-
dom 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 elec-
tions, promoting the free exchange of ideas, and vigor-
ously exercising in its Parliament, the Knesset, a demo-
cratic government that is fully representative of its citi-
zens; 
Whereas Israel has bravely defended itself from terrorist and 
military attacks repeatedly since independence; 
Whereas the rocket attacks that have occurred in Israel in re-
cent 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 se-
curity; 
Whereas visionary Israeli leaders like Yitzhak Rabin, Ariel 
Sharon, Ehud Olmert, and Benjamin Netanyahu were at 
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•HCON 111 IH 
the forefront of creating conditions for peace in the Mid-
dle East; 
Whereas the United States and Israel enjoy a strategic part-
nership 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 home-
land security, and encourages both nations to con-
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•HCON 111 IH 
tinue 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. 
Æ 
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