SRES175MAY4

This resolution recognizes the 59^th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel as a sovereign and independent country and notes that the US was one of the first countries to recognize the new State.

Israel has received 800,000 Jewish refugees fleeing persecution and has established a pluralistic democracy.

The resolution then moves into assertions and conclusions about Israel’s problems with being attacked and defending itself and the abiding relationship it maintains with the US.

More resolution below….

Sponsor: Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS)

Vote: Passed Senate by Unanimous Consent April 24, 2007

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost.

Earmark Certification: Not applicable to this resolution.

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Whereas, on May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was established as a sovereign and independent country;

Whereas the United States was one of the first countries to recognize the State of Israel, only 11 minutes after the creation of the State;

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 Israel has also provided a refuge to, and has successfully absorbed, more than 800,000 Jewish refugees who fled persecution in neighboring states in the Middle East;

Whereas the people of Israel have established a 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 Israel declared its 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 1,000 innocent citizens of Israel at the hands of murderous suicide bombers and other terrorists since 2002, the people of Israel continue to seek peace with their Palestinian neighbors;

Whereas several Israeli soldiers remain hostages of terrorist groups, and were unable to celebrate the Independence Day of Israel with their families and friends;

Whereas successive leaders of Israel have sought 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;

Whereas the Independence Day of Israel on the Jewish calendar coincides this year with April 24, 2007; and

Whereas recognition of the numerous achievements of the people and the State of Israel is especially important in 2007 given the grave threats issued by, and the clear intentions of, the Government of Iran: 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) strongly supports efforts to bring peace to the Middle East;

(3) commends the bipartisan commitment of all Presidents and Congresses of the United States since 1948 that supported Israel and worked for the security and well-being of Israel;

(4) congratulates the United States and Israel for strengthening their bilateral relations during 2006 in the fields of defense, diplomacy, and homeland security, and encourages both countries to continue their cooperation in resolving mutual challenges; and

(5) extends the best wishes of the Senate to the people of Israel as they celebrate the 59th anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel.

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