Senate Resolution No. 1433

BY: Senator PHILLIPS

COMMEMORATING the observance of Yom Yerushalayim,
Jerusalem Day, on May 24, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
events which exemplify and celebrate the rich, religious, cultural and
ethnic heritage of the people of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the observance of Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, on May
24, 2017; and

WHEREAS, On Wednesday, May 24, 2017, which this year corresponds
with the 28th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar, Jews from all over the
world will celebrate Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, which marks the
50th Anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem on June 7, 1967,
during the Six Day War; and

WHEREAS, For the Jewish people, the city of Jerusalem is the
historical and spiritual center of the nation of Israel; furthermore,
Jerusalem is the eternal indivisible Capital of the State of Israel; and

WHEREAS, Jerusalem, one of the world's most ancient cities, has
endured being captured, recaptured, besieged and fought over, for more
than 4,000 years; and

WHEREAS, Some of the fiercest battles of Israel's War of
Independence were fought over the city of Jerusalem; while many perceive
the War of Independence as a victory for Israel, for Jews the victory
was tarnished because the Old City of Jerusalem was lost, and for the
next 19 years remained divided; and

WHEREAS, In June of 1967, the beleaguered State of Israel prevailed
over its Arab adversaries who so greatly outnumbered them in the Six Day
War; and

WHEREAS, On June 7, 1967, the third day of the Six Day War, soldiers
of Israel's Defense Forces entered the Old City of Jerusalem, which over
the centuries has come to symbolize the love of the Jewish people for
their ancient homeland, and reunited it, making it once again an
integral part of the Jewish State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the observance of Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, on May
24, 2017, marking the 50th Anniversary of the reunification of
Jerusalem, and to join with the people of the State of New York in
sharing with the people of Israel and of all nations, the fervent hope
and profound desire for an enduring peace.