A HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE Seventy‑fifth ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL, REAFFIRMING BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION BETWEEN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA AND ISRAEL, AND URGING CONGRESS TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE RELATIONSHIPs BETWEEN NORTH CAROLINA, THE UNITED STATES, 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 75 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 13 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 $2.9 billion in goods and services to Israel since 1996 and, as of 2021, ranks 19th among all states in exports to Israel; 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, for 75 years, 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; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives recognizes the historic significance of the seventy‑fifth 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 also urges Congress to continue its support of the relationships between North Carolina, the United States, and Israel.
SECTION 5.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the Executive Directors of the Jewish Federations in North Carolina and North Carolina's congressional delegation.
SECTION 6.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.