[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 149 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 149
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 24, 2005
Received and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
_______________________________________________________________________
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Recognizing the 57th anniversary of the independence of the State of
Israel.
Whereas in May 1948, the State of Israel was established 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 sacred 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;
Whereas the people of Israel have established a unique, pluralistic democracy
which includes the freedoms cherished by the people of the United
States, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of
association, freedom 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 elections, promoting the free exchange
of ideas, and vigorously exercising in its Parliament, the Knesset, a
democratic government that is fully representative of its citizens;
Whereas Israel has bravely defended itself from attacks repeatedly 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 partnership 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 trusted ally; and
Whereas Israel has made significant global contributions in the fields of
science, medicine, and technology: 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.
Passed the House of Representatives May 23, 2005.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk.