III 109th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 463 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 3, 2006 Mr. Frist (for himself, Mr. Reid, Mr. Voinovich, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Vitter, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Santorum, Mr. Kyl, Mr. Levin, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Nelson of Florida, and Mr. Biden) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to 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 country; Whereas the United States was 1 of the first countries to recognize Israel, only 11 minutes after its creation; Whereas Israel has provided Jews from all over the world with an opportunity to reestablish their ancient homeland; Whereas Israel is home to many religious sites that 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 that incorporates the freedoms cherished by the people of the United States, including— (1)the freedom of speech; (2)the freedom of religion; (3)the freedom of association; (4)the freedom of the press; and (5)government by the consent of the governed; Whereas Israel continues to serve as a shining model of democratic values by— (1)regularly holding free and fair elections; (2)promoting the free exchange of ideas; and (3)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 it declared its independence; Whereas the Government of Israel has successfully worked with the neighboring Governments of Egypt and Jordan to establish peaceful and bilateral relations; Whereas, despite the deaths of over 1,000 innocent Israelis at the hands of murderous suicide bombers and other terrorists during the last 5 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 the Independence Day of Israel on the Jewish calendar coincides this year with May 3, 2006: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)recognizes the independence of the State of Israel as a significant event for providing refuge and a national homeland for the Jewish people; (2)commends the bipartisan commitment of all administrations and Congresses of the United States since 1948 that stood by Israel and worked for its security and well-being; (3)congratulates the United States and Israel for strengthening their bilateral relations during the last year in the fields of defense, diplomacy, and homeland security, and encourages both countries 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 the independence of Israel.