Bill Text: IL SR1777 | 2017-2018 | 100th General Assembly | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Recognizes the historic significance of the 70th anniversary of the reestablishment of the sovereign and independent state of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people. Reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between the United States, Illinois, and Israel for the past 70 years, and commits to strengthening those bonds. Commends the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic, democratic society in the face of terrorism, as well as hostility, ostracism, and belligerence from many of their neighbors. Reaffirms our support for Israel's right to defend itself against threats to its security and existence. Reaffirms our enduring support for Israel as Israel pursues peace with its neighbors. Extends the warmest congratulations and best wishes to the state of Israel and Israeli people for a peaceful and prosperous future.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2018-05-24 - Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Michael Connelly [SR1777 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2017-SR1777-Introduced.html

---

SR1777 LRB100 22163 MST 40586 r
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, On November 29, 1947, the United Nations General
Assembly voted to partition British Mandatory Palestine into a
Jewish state and a Arab state, a decision welcomed by Jewish
leadership; and
WHEREAS, On May 14, 1948, the people of Israel proclaimed
the establishment of the sovereign and independent state of
Israel, and the United States government established full
diplomatic relations after Israel's first election in 1949; and
WHEREAS, The desire of the Jewish people to establish an
independent modern state of Israel is directly linked to the
existence of the historic kingdom of Israel established in the
land of Israel 3,000 years ago, with the city of Jerusalem as
its capital; and
WHEREAS, For over 2,000 years, Jews living in other parts
of the world maintained a profound spiritual and emotional
connection to the Land of Israel, and there has been continuous
Jewish presence in the land comprising the modern state of
Israel; and
WHEREAS, The establishment of the modern state of Israel as
a homeland for the Jewish people followed the destruction of

SR1777 - 2 - LRB100 22163 MST 40586 r
much of European Jewry during the Holocaust; and
WHEREAS, Since its establishment 70 years ago, the modern
State of Israel has rebuilt the nation, forged a new and
dynamic society, and created a thriving economic, political,
cultural, and intellectual life despite the heavy burdens of
war, terrorism, and unjustified diplomatic and economic
boycotts against the people of Israel; and
WHEREAS, The people of Israel, in the spirit of Israel's
Declaration of Independence, have established a vibrant,
pluralistic, democratic political system, which includes
freedom of speech, association, and religion, a vigorously free
press, free, fair, and open elections, the rule of law, a fully
independent judiciary, and other democratic principles and
practices; and
WHEREAS, Israel has developed some of the world's leading
universities; and
WHEREAS, Israel has developed an advanced, entrepreneurial
economy, is among the world's leaders of the high-tech
industry, and is at the forefront of research and development
in the fields of renewable energy sources and medicine; and
WHEREAS, Israel regularly sends humanitarian aid, search

SR1777 - 3 - LRB100 22163 MST 40586 r
and rescue teams, mobile hospitals, and other emergency
supplies, to help victims of disasters around the world; and
WHEREAS, Israel has taken in millions of Jews from
countries throughout the world and sought to fully integrate
them into Israeli society; and
WHEREAS, Israel, with courage and high ethical standards,
has defended itself from repeated attacks since its
independence; and
WHEREAS, Israel has established peaceful bilateral
relations with Egypt and Jordan and has sought to achieve a
secure peace with the Palestinians and Israel's other Arab
neighbors; and
WHEREAS, For seven decades, the United States, Illinois,
and Israel have maintained a special relationship based on
mutually shared democratic and moral values, common strategic
interests, and bonds of friendship and mutual respect; and
WHEREAS, The American people and people of Illinois feel a
strong affinity for the Israeli people based on common values
and shared cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, The United States and Illinois continue to regard

SR1777 - 4 - LRB100 22163 MST 40586 r
Israel as a trusted ally and vital strategic partner in the
volatile Middle East; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the
historic significance of the 70th anniversary of the
reestablishment of the sovereign and independent state of
Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we reaffirm the bonds of friendship and
cooperation which have existed between the United States,
Illinois, and Israel for the past 70 years, and commit to
strengthening those bonds; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we commend the people of Israel for their
remarkable achievements in building a new state and a
pluralistic, democratic society in the face of terrorism, as
well as hostility, ostracism, and belligerence from many of
their neighbors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we reaffirm our support for Israel's right
to defend itself against threats to its security and existence;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That we reaffirm our enduring support for Israel
as Israel pursues peace with its neighbors; and be it further

SR1777 - 5 - LRB100 22163 MST 40586 r
RESOLVED, That we extend the warmest congratulations and
best wishes to the state of Israel and Israeli people for a
peaceful and prosperous future.