LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the State of Israel upon the occasion of
its 62nd Anniversary and commemorating the 2010 Salute to Israel Parade

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, as a reaffirmation of
its continued support of the State of Israel and the principles upon
which it stands, to congratulate the people of Israel upon the occasion
of the 62nd Anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel; and
WHEREAS, Israel's Declaration of Independence, which was signed May
14, 1948, Iyar 5, 5708 on the Jewish calendar, embodies the rich tradi-
tion of individual freedom evident throughout Jewish history and
embraces many of the same values expressed in our own United States
Declaration of Independence; the principles of checks and balances,
freedom of speech and assembly, combined with a respect for human
rights, equal justice and free elections, are but a few of the democrat-
ic ideals shared by both societies; and
WHEREAS, The democratic systems of government and pioneering histories
of both peoples created a bond and a mutual respect between our two
nations from the beginning; President Harry S. Truman offered official
United States recognition to Israel just 11 minutes after it had
declared its independence as a sovereign state; and
WHEREAS, Israel is, just as are our own nation and the State of New
York, much more than a piece of geography; it is a state of mind, a gift
of a great and ancient heritage, and a commitment to the values of
liberty, democracy and justice in fulfillment of the responsibilities of
that heritage; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 62 years, Israel has succeeded in making its
arid and semi-arid regions productive; it has been, from the beginning,
a nation of development; its people have excelled in every venue and
every profession; and
WHEREAS, As a nation and as a people, Israel exemplifies the essence
of that which is at once the most ancient and the most modern -- the
will to live and to achieve; its courage, its perseverance in the face
of many obstacles, and its dedication to democracy and heritage are
well-known; its future shines with a potential which is as enormous and
illustrious as is its past; and
WHEREAS, From the outset New York State and Israel have maintained a
special relationship based on mutually shared democratic values, common
strategic interests and moral bonds of friendship and mutual respect as
well as many scientific, educational and business initiatives; and
WHEREAS, Each year since 1964 New York has hosted the Salute to Israel
Parade on New York City's Fifth Avenue; featuring more than 100,000
marchers, it is the largest event in the world celebrating the Anniver-
sary of Israel's Independence and honors the history and heritage, as
well as the spirit, of an indomitable people; and
WHEREAS, Truly a heartfelt expression by the American Jewish community
of solidarity with the State of Israel and its people, this year's
Salute to Israel Parade will take place on Sunday, May 23, 2010; and
WHEREAS, As Israel proudly celebrates the 62nd Anniversary of its
establishment, observing Israel Independence Day, Yom Ha'atzmaut, on
April 19-20, 2010, corresponding to Iyar 5-6, 5770, and as New York once
again hosts the Salute to Israel Parade, it is the sense of this Legis-
lative Body, on behalf of the people of the State of New York, to
commend the State of Israel for its remarkable accomplishments in build-
ing a new State and society which embodies the ideals of democracy,
justice, independence and achievement; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor and commend the State of Israel upon the occasion of its 62nd

Anniversary, to commemorate the Salute to Israel Parade 2010, 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; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to His Excellency Michael Oren, Ambassador of Israel.