A HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE 70TH 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 and the United States government established full diplomatic relations with Israel; and
Whereas, since its establishment 70 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 and terrorism against the State and its people; and
Whereas, Israel has developed some of the leading universities in the world, and 12 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 fields such as agriculture, medicine, and renewable energy sources; and
Whereas, Israel has developed and pioneered techniques for expanding the yield and quality of crops in areas with limited water resources and for making agriculture cleaner and more efficient overall; and
Whereas, Israel is a world leader in technologies that make industry more efficient and minimize the environmental impact of human activities in countries with booming populations, shrinking resources, and environmental degradation; and
Whereas, Israel regularly sends humanitarian aid, search and rescue teams, mobile hospitals, and other emergency supplies to help victims of disasters around the world; and
Whereas, North Carolina has exported over $2.2 billion in goods and services to Israel since 1996, including over $150 million in 2017; and
Whereas, for seven 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, Israel has established peaceful bilateral relations with two former combatant states, Egypt and Jordan, and has sought to achieve a secure peace with the Palestinians and Israel's other Arab neighbors; and
Whereas, it is fitting and proper to honor the memory of Shimon Peres, a man who epitomized Israel's desire to live in peace with its neighbors; and
Whereas, Shimon Peres was a founding father of modern Israel who dedicated his life to ensuring Israel's military strength and also to bringing about a lasting peace with its neighbors; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives recognizes the historic significance of the 70th anniversary of the reestablishment of the 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 House of Representatives commends the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements in building a new nation and a pluralistic, democratic society in the face of terrorism 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 House of Representatives 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 House of Representatives honors the memory of Shimon Peres, a man who dedicated his life to ensuring Israel's security and to bringing about a lasting peace with its neighbors.
SECTION 5.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Executive Directors of the Jewish Federations in North Carolina and to the family of Shimon Peres.
SECTION 6.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.