Senate Concurrent Resolution 571

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION HONORING AND CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL.

WHEREAS, the Jewish people established the sovereign and independent State of Israel on May 14, 1948, and the United States of America immediately recognized and established full diplomatic relations with Israel; and

WHEREAS, the uninterrupted dream of the Jewish people to reestablish their independent state is directly linked to their historic sovereignty in the Land of Israel, established 3,000 years ago with the city of Jerusalem as its capital then as it is now; and

WHEREAS, against all odds and overwhelming force, 75 years ago the brave new nation of Israel immediately had to fight a war for independence, fiercely defending its right to exist in a hostile world; and

WHEREAS, the State of Israel has remained the strongest ally of the United States in the Middle East in the decades since its inception; and

WHEREAS, since its establishment, the modern State of Israel has rebuilt the nation, forged a new and dynamic society, and created a thriving economic, political, cultural, and intellectual life despite the heavy burdens of war and terrorism; and

WHEREAS, the people of the State of Israel, in the spirit of its Declaration of Independence, have established a vibrant, pluralistic, and democratic political system; and

WHEREAS, the State of Israel has developed an advanced entrepreneurial economy, has one of the world's leading technological industries, and is at the forefront of research and development in energy and medicine; and

WHEREAS, Israel contains sacred and holy sites of many of the world's religions, including Christianity and Islam, and thousands of Mississippians travel there each year to see these sites and participate in a rich cultural exchange with the Israeli people; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi and the State of Israel have continually maintained a relationship of honor and respect based upon mutual values of democratic freedom and desire for peace among all people of all nations; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi is an unequivocal supporter of the State of Israel and its right to defend itself against terror and any threat to its security; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to remain committed to a future where the State of Israel and its neighbors can live in peace, with mutual recognition of each other's dignity and autonomy:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do honor and celebrate the 75th Anniversary of independence of the State of Israel and reaffirm our strong support for all people of the State of Israel to live in freedom and peace and as a blessing to all nations.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be furnished to the Consul General Sultan-Dadon and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.