Introduced By: Representatives Barone, Cicilline, Long, Coderre and Williams
Date Introduced : June 11, 1998
WHEREAS, On May 14th, 1948 corresponding to the fifth year of Iyar, Israel declared its independence ending 26 years of British rule which was promptly recognized by President Harry S. Truman followed by the USSR; and
WHEREAS, The year 1949 was a period of many milestones for the fledgling State of Israel, including, the first Knesset convening in Jerusalem, and the declaration of the holy city of Jerusalem as capital of Israel; and
WHEREAS, A monument was erected in Jerusalem in 1953 called YAD VASHEM to remember the six million Jews who perished during the horrors of the Holocaust; and
WHEREAS, In the historic Camp David Meetings Anwar El Sadat, Menachem Begin, and Jimmy Carter reached a breakthrough which lead to the historic peace treaty with Egypt, followed by the establishment of diplomatic relations with seven Arab states; and
WHEREAS, In 1995, the world mourned the tragic assassination of Israel's Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin, whose selfless dedication to peace remains an inspiration to all; and
WHEREAS, The Israeli people still face the threat of terrorism and fight bravely to seek tranquillity and a secure life; and
WHEREAS, The seeds of peace bearing the fruits of a better life where Israelis will preserve their culture, their freedom and justice is an inspiration to all who cherish these values; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby honors Israel on its fiftieth anniversary of independence and honors those who sacrificed their lives for that noble purpose and support the people of Israel in the struggle for a durable and secure peace; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island.
