[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.