Florida Senate - 2013 (NP) SR 1292 By Senator Sobel 33-01247-13 20131292__ 1 Senate Resolution 2 A resolution recognizing the 65th anniversary of the 3 independence of the State of Israel. 4 5 WHEREAS, on May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was 6 established as a sovereign and independent country and the first 7 Jewish state in 2,000 years, and 8 WHEREAS, based on the precepts of liberty, justice, and 9 peace, Israel has provided the Jewish people worldwide with an 10 opportunity to reestablish their ancient homeland while 11 providing a home to religious sites that are sacred to Judaism, 12 Christianity, and Islam, and 13 WHEREAS, the people of Israel have established a 14 pluralistic democracy that incorporates the freedoms cherished 15 by the people of the United States, including the freedom of 16 speech, the freedom of religion, the freedom of association, and 17 the freedom of the press, and 18 WHEREAS, Israel continues to serve as a shining model of 19 democratic values by holding free and fair elections, promoting 20 the free exchange of ideas, and maintaining a democratic 21 government that is fully representative of its citizens, and 22 WHEREAS, the government of Israel has successfully worked 23 with its neighboring governments of Egypt and Jordan to 24 establish peaceful bilateral relations and, despite conflicts 25 with other neighboring countries, continues to seek peace in the 26 Middle East, and 27 WHEREAS, Israel has made significant global contributions 28 in the fields of science, medicine, and technology, and 29 WHEREAS, Israel maintains a strategic partnership with the 30 United States based on shared democratic values, friendship, and 31 respect, NOW, THEREFORE, 32 33 Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida: 34 35 That the State of Israel and its people are recognized for 36 their numerous achievements and extended best wishes as they 37 celebrate the 65th anniversary of the independence of their 38 country.