Resolution Commending This State’s and the United States’ Cordial and Mutually Beneficial Relationship with the Nation of Israel

Summary

This model policy seeks to commend the nation of Israel for its cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the United States and with this state and for other purposes.

Resolution Commending This State’s and the United States’ Cordial and Mutually Beneficial Relationship with the Nation of Israel

WHEREAS, the legal basis for the establishment of the modern State of Israel was a binding act of international law established in the San Remo Resolution, which was unanimously adopted by the League of Nations in 1922 and subsequently affirmed by both houses of the United States Congress; and

WHEREAS, the United States, having been the first country to recognize Israel as an independent nation and as Israel’s principal ally, has enjoyed a close and mutually beneficial relationship with the nation and her people; and

WHEREAS, Israel is the closest friend and ally of the United States in the Middle East, and the values of our two nations are so intertwined as to be almost inseparable; and

WHEREAS, this state and Israel have enjoyed cordial and mutually beneficial relations since 1948, a friendship that continues to strengthen with each passing year; and

WHEREAS, there is a special bond between the citizens of this state and Israel that inspires the people of this state to stand in solidarity with the people of Israel and welcome all opportunities to grow our already deep relationship at all levels, including cultural, academic, and business endeavors; and

WHEREAS, this state is proud to be the home of Israeli companies that create American jobs; and

WHEREAS, this state’s Department of Economic Development operates or plans to establish a trade office in Israel; and

WHEREAS, cities in this state enjoy official sister cities relationships with cities in Israel; and

WHEREAS, public universities in this state are involved in  joint initiatives with Israel in developing various high tech areas where is emerging as a global leader; and

WHEREAS, this state has an established program with law enforcement agencies in Israel; and

WHEREAS, Israel is a significant export destination for this state; and

WHEREAS, this state receives a significant amount of imports from Israel; and

WHEREAS, this state is proud to be a leader in the Israel Bonds program; and

WHEREAS, this state’s entities charged with educating about the Holocaust works to draw lessons from the history of the Holocaust in order to help lead new generations of people in this state beyond racism and bigotry; and

WHEREAS, this state is proud to be home to chapters of the American Israel Chamber of Commerce, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the American Jewish Committee, the Anti-Defamation League, Hadassah, the Jewish Federation, and the Jewish National Fund.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THIS LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER that the members of this body commend Israel for its cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the United States and with this state and support Israel in its legal, historical, and moral right of self-governance and self-defense upon the entirety of its own lands, recognizing that Israel is neither an attacking force nor an occupier of the lands of others, and that peace can be afforded the region only through a whole and united Israel.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of this legislative chamber is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Israeli Ambassador to the United States.