A JOINT RESOLUTION Recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the State of Israel and Reaffirming Bonds of Friendship and Cooperation Between the state of NORTH CAROLINA and ISRAEL.
Whereas, on May 14, 1948, the people of Israel proclaimed the establishment of the sovereign and independent modern State of Israel as a successor and outgrowth of the historic kingdom of Israel with the city of Jerusalem as its capital, and the United States government established full diplomatic relations with Israel; and
Whereas, since its establishment 60 years ago, the modern State of Israel has rebuilt a nation, forged a new and dynamic democratic society, and created a thriving economic, political, cultural and intellectual life, despite the heavy costs of war, terrorism, and unjustified economic and diplomatic boycotts against the people of Israel; and
Whereas, the people of Israel have established a vibrant, pluralistic, democratic political system, including freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion; a vigorously free press; free, fair, and open elections; the rule of law and a fully independent judiciary; and
Whereas, Israel has developed some of the leading universities in the world and 8 Israeli citizens have been awarded the Nobel Prize; and
Whereas, Israel has developed an advanced, entrepreneurial economy, is a global leader in the high‑tech industry, and is at the forefront of research and development in the field of renewable energy sources; and
Whereas, North Carolina has exported over $1 billion in goods and services to Israel since 1996, including over $155 million in 2007; and
Whereas, Israel ranks as North Carolina's 27th largest trading partner in total annual trade; and
Whereas, over $8 million in Bi‑National Agricultural and Science Foundation research grants have been shared by North Carolina and Israel administered by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University, Duke University, and North Carolina State University designed to fight hunger, increase crop, poultry, and fish production, fight cancer, and improve health care through genetic and cardiovascular research among a host of other projects; and
Whereas, Israel has absorbed millions of Jewish refugees from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia, the Middle East, North Africa, and other countries throughout the world and fully integrated them into Israeli society; and
Whereas, Israel has established peaceful bilateral relations with Egypt and Jordan and has expressed its desire to establish peaceful relations with all Arab states and the Palestinian people living in the West Bank and Gaza; and
Whereas, for six decades, the United States and Israel have maintained a special relationship based on mutually shared democratic values, common strategic interests, and moral bonds of friendship and mutual respect; and
Whereas, it is also fitting and proper to honor the memory of the thousands of Israelis who have died defending Israel's existence since 1948, including Yonathan Netanyahu, one of Israel's greatest soldiers and heroes, who died leading the daring raid and successful rescue of Israeli citizens hijacked by terrorists to Entebbe, Uganda, on July 4, 1976, demonstrating Israel's commitment to the sanctity of life and protection of the Jewish people; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly recognizes the historic significance of the 60th anniversary of the reestablishment of the sovereign and independent State of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people and reaffirms its enduring support for Israel as Israel pursues peace with its neighbors.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly commends the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements in building a new nation and a pluralistic, democratic society in the face of terrorism as well as hostility, ostracism, and belligerence from other nations and looks forward to increased trade and enhanced economic, scientific, cultural and educational cooperation for the mutual benefit and prosperity of the citizens of North Carolina and the people of Israel.
SECTION 3.  The General Assembly extends the warmest congratulations and best wishes to the State of Israel and the Israeli people for a peaceful, secure, and successful future.
SECTION 4.  The General Assembly honors the memory of Yonathan Netanyahu and those who died defending Israel's existence.
SECTION 5.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council.
SECTION 6.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.