HR 22

WHEREAS, On May 14, 1948, the establishment of an independent Jewish state to be known as the State of Israel was declared, and this year will mark the 67th anniversary of that historic action; and

WHEREAS, The United States of America and Israel have a unique bond based on their shared, enduring values, which are reflected in the virtues and principles of freedom and democracy, and have stood together as allies since Israel was first formed as a nation; and

WHEREAS, Californias Jewish community has been active socially, economically, and politically in the states formation since the California Gold Rush, and that involvement has had a positive impact on the states multicultural and economic development; and

WHEREAS, California is home to an estimated 2,000,000 Jews, making it the second largest concentration of Jews in the United States; and

WHEREAS, For years, California and Israel have established business partnerships and trade relations with each other, and those partnerships have helped enhance the agricultural, educational, energy, entertainment, health, medical, scientific, and water policies in California, Israel, and the United States; and

WHEREAS, Israel is not only the ancestral home of the Jewish people, and the worlds only Jewish nation, but is also inhabited by people from all corners of the world, and those people practice a variety of religions, including Bahai, Christianity, Druze, and Islam; and

WHEREAS, Israel has openly and honestly negotiated with its neighbors for peace, and during those negotiations, has traded land in an attempt to achieve economic prosperity and peace; and

WHEREAS, Israel is recognized around the world as the strongest democratically-elected government in the Middle East, and the nations democracy and relationship as an ally to the United States adds to the security and strength of California; and

WHEREAS, In an effort to foster community, understanding, peace, tolerance, communication, and brotherhood, it is important to understand the contributions that people of all cultures and religions living in California have made to California; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the Assembly hereby honors and commemorates that fateful day, May 14, 1948, and this 67th anniversary, as an historic action of undeniable significance in world history and the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship between Israel and the United States, especially the State of California; and be it further

Resolved, That the Assembly believes that Israels borders should be determined by the government of Israel; and be it further

Resolved, That the Assembly recognizes both Israels right to exist as a nation, and to exist within safe and secure borders; and be it further

Resolved, That the Assembly supports Israels right to seek peace and security for its citizens, the prime obligation of any government, and herein expresses its support for Israel; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.