[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 392 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
109th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. CON. RES. 392
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 3, 2006
Received and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
_______________________________________________________________________
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Recognizing the 58th anniversary of the independence of the State of
Israel.
Whereas on May 14, 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, 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 terrorist and military 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 1,000 innocent Israelis at the hands of
murderous, suicide bombers and other terrorists during the past five
years, the people of Israel continue to seek peace with their
Palestinian neighbors;
Whereas visionary Israeli leaders like Yitzhak Rabin and Ariel Sharon were at
the forefront of creating conditions for 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; and
Whereas Israel's Independence Day on the Jewish calendar coincides this year
with May 3, 2006: 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) 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;
(3) congratulates the United States and Israel for the
strengthening of bilateral relations in the past year in the
fields of defense, diplomacy, and homeland security and
encourages both nations to continue their cooperation in
resolving future mutual challenges; and
(4) extends warm congratulations and best wishes to the
people of Israel as they celebrate the 58th anniversary of
Israel's independence.
Passed the House of Representatives May 2, 2006.
Attest:
KAREN L. HAAS,
Clerk.