A joint resolution commending the State of Israel and its people on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the reestablishment of the independent State of Israel.
PL 100-311 (H.J.Res.541), enacted 05/06/1988

102 STAT. 460 
PUBLIC LAW 100-311—MAY 6, 1988 
Public Law 100-311 
100th Congress 
Joint Resolution 
May 6, 1988 
Commending the State of Israel and its people on the occasion of the fortieth 
[H.J. Res. 541] 
anniversary of the reestablishment of the independent State of Israel. 
Whereas the State of Israel redeems the Biblical promise to the 
Jewish people of the homeland from which they were exiled for 
2,000 years; 
Whereas the establishment of the State of Israel as a homeland for 
the Jews followed the slaughter of more than 6,000,000 Jews 
during the Holocaust; 
Whereas the United States helped in the creation of the State of 
Israel by extending diplomatic relations to the State of Israel upon 
its proclamation of independence on May 14, 1948; 
Whereas since its establishment 40 years ago, Israel has rebuilt a 
nation, forged a new society, and created an economic, cul-
tural, and intellectual infrastructure that is nothing short of 
miraculous; 
Whereas despite the heavy costs of six wars, terrorism, inter-
national ostracism, and economic boycotts, the people of Israel 
have relinquished neither their desire to live in peace with their 
neighbors nor their democratic ideals; 
Whereas at great social and financial costs, Israel has absorbed 
hundreds of thousands of Jews from countries throughout the 
world, many of them refugees from Arab countries, and fully 
integrated them into Israeli society; 
Whereas the world, particularly the less developed countries of 
Latin America and Africa, has benefited tremendously from 
Israeli advances in agriculture, medicine, and industry; 
Whereas the United States and Israel have always maintained a 
special relationship based on mutually shared democratic values, 
strategic interests, and moral bonds of friendship and respect; and 
Whereas the American people have shared an affinity with the 
people of Israel and regard Israel as a strong and trusted ally and 
important strategic partner: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives 
of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, That the United 
States— 
(1) hails the historic milestone of 40 years of existence of the 
reestablished, independent State of Israel; 
(2) praises the people of Israel for their remarkable achieve-
ments in building a new state and society and maintaining the 
only democracy in the Middle East in the face of constant 
belligerence by her neighbors; 
PUBLIC LAW 100-311—MAY 6, 1988 
102 STAT. 461 
(3) notes with deep satisfaction the bonds of friendship and 
cooperation between the United States and the State of Israel 
which have meant so much to both countries; and 
(4) extends the warmest congratulations and best wishes to 
the State of Israel and its people for a peaceful and successful 
future. 
Approved May 6, 1988. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 541: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 134 (1988): 
Apr. 21, considered and passed House. 
Apr. 22, considered and passed Senate.