Albany, NY – Ahead of Israel Independence Day, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) and State Senator Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach) announced today a resolution celebrating Israel Independence Day. The resolution to be adopted congratulates the State of Israel on the 68th anniversary of its independence and recognizes advancements made in the face of conflict and oppression.

“As the first Israeli-born member elected to the State Legislature it is an honor to celebrate this occasion,” said Rozic. “In addition to commemorating Israel’s 68 years of statehood, we are also celebrating the shared interests and trusted relationship between the people of New York and the people of Israel that grows stronger each year.”

“It is an honor to celebrate Israel’s momentous 68 years of statehood,” said Senator Kaminsky. “Fostering a strong alliance between our state, Israel and its people is integral to ensuring freedom, prosperity, and independence for the future.”

Israel Independence Day is celebrated this year on May 12th and marks 68 years of statehood for Israel. Since its founding in 1948, Israel has rebuilt a nation, established a democracy, and continues to strive for peace with security and dignity for itself and neighbors.

Both Rozic and Kaminsky have recently led efforts to promote the security of Israel through a series of legislative actions. Last year, they joined colleagues in signing onto a resolution condemning the BDS movement and reaffirming Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish, democratic state. Most recently, the legislators have sponsored a bill that would keep in place New York State’s existing sanctions against businesses supporting Iranian nuclear and energy sectors.

The full text of the resolution is below.

CONGRATULATING the State of Israel upon the occasion of the 68th Anniversary of its independence and reaffirming the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the State of New York and Israel

WHEREAS, May 12, 2016, marks the 68th Anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel in the ancestral home of the Jewish people; and

WHEREAS, On November 29, 1947, the United Nations General Assembly voted to partition the British Mandate of Palestine, and through that vote, to create the State of Israel; and

WHEREAS, Israel was officially declared an independent nation on May 14, 1948, in fulfillment of the eternal desire of the Jewish people to return to the land of the historic Kingdom of Israel established 3,000 years ago and to the holy city of Jerusalem; and

WHEREAS, A century ago at the First Zionist Congress, in Basel, Switzerland, participants under the leadership of Theodore Herzl affirmed the desire to reestablish a Jewish homeland in the historic land of Israel; and

WHEREAS, The modern State of Israel was born out of the ashes of the Holocaust and World War II where the death of six million Jews did not eliminate the will of a people to seek dignity in life and a place of respect and recognition among the people of the civilized world; and

WHEREAS, Israel, since its inception, when the combined forces of five Arab nations invaded to destroy the dream of the Jewish people, continues to face the hostility, and frequently through the years of its statehood, the armed aggression, of its neighbors; and

WHEREAS, Despite these conflicts, in the 68 years since its establishment, the modern State of Israel has rebuilt a nation, forged a new and dynamic society, and created a unique and vital economic, political, cultural and intellectual life despite the heavy cost of six wars, terrorism, international ostracism and economic boycotts; and

WHEREAS, In its 68 years of statehood, Israel has established a modern parliamentary democracy and has become the most successful democracy in the Middle East, and has provided its citizens with the highest standards of living and human equality in a region otherwise beset with poverty and human rights abuses; and

WHEREAS, Israel has made significant global contributions in the fields of science, medicine, and technology; and

WHEREAS, Israel continues to strive for peace with security and dignity for itself, its neighbors and throughout the world in order to fulfill the prophecy of becoming a light unto the nations; and

WHEREAS, The people of New York share an affinity with the people of Israel and view Israel as a strong and trusted ally; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the State of Israel upon the occasion of the 68th Anniversary of its independence and reaffirming the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the State of New York and Israel.

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Consul General of Israel for New York, Ido Aharoni.