IV 
109TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 149 
Recognizing the 57th anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MAY 11, 2005 
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina (for himself, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Mr. CAN-
TOR, Mr. PENCE, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. 
HASTINGS of Florida, and Mr. LANTOS) submitted the following concur-
rent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International Re-
lations 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Recognizing the 57th anniversary of the independence of 
the State of Israel. 
Whereas on May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was estab-
lished 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 sa-
cred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; 
Whereas Israel provided a refuge to Jews who survived the 
horrors of the Holocaust and the evils committed by the 
Nazis which were unprecedented in human history;
•HCON 149 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 attacks re-
peatedly since independence; 
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 one thousand innocent 
Israelis at the hands of murderous, suicide bombers and 
other terrorists during the past 4 years, the people of 
Israel continue to seek peace with their Palestinian 
neighbors; 
Whereas the United States and Israel enjoy a strategic part-
nership based on shared mutual democratic values, 
friendship, and respect; 
Whereas the people of the United States share affinity with 
the people of Israel and view Israel as a strong and trust-
ed ally; 
Whereas Israel has made significant global contributions in 
the fields of science, medicine, and technology; and
•HCON 149 IH 
Whereas Israel’s Independence Day on the Jewish calendar 
coincides this year with May 12, 2005: 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) praises the efforts of President George W. 
Bush and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to create the 
conditions for peace in the Middle East; 
(3) 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; and 
(4) extends warm congratulations and best 
wishes to the people of Israel as they celebrate the 
57th anniversary of Israel’s independence. 
Æ