April 15 marks the 65th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel

News Release April 15, 2013—

TRENTON – A joint resolution sponsored by Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, Assemblywoman Pamela R. Lampitt, Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Assemblyman Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr., Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera, Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski and Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver commending the State of Israel and its citizens on its 65th anniversary of independence was signed today by the governor.

“The people of Israel have built a strong nation, creating a unique and vital economic, political, cultural and intellectual life for its citizens, and we cherish the strong and historic friendship between our nations,” said Greenwald (D-Camden/Burlington). “As they celebrate 65 years as an independent nation, I would like to commend the State of Israel for its accomplishments and its continued efforts to advocate for peace for its citizens and its neighbors.”

April 15 marks the 65th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel. The United Nations General Assembly voted to partition the British Mandate of Palestine and to create the State of Israel on November 29, 1947. Israel was officially declared an independent nation on May 14, 1948.

Given the close political, economic and cultural ties between the State of Israel and the United States and New Jersey, the joint measure (SJR-70/AJR-94) in part states, “the governor and the Legislature find it fitting and proper to recognize the State of Israel on the 65th anniversary of the nation’s founding.”

“Despite being a relatively young nation, Israel has overcome wars, terrorism and international ostracism to become one of the most successful democracies in the Middle East,” said Lampitt (D-Camden/Burlington). “As they celebrate 65 years of independence, I wish the State of Israel and its citizens continued strength, fortitude and wisdom as they journey towards their first centennial.”

“What this tiny country has managed to build in six decades is remarkable,” said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). “Israel has built a strong economy and is on the forefront of technological and medical advances that have helped keep our soldiers safe overseas and brought new hope in the fight against cancer. My best wishes to the people of Israel on 65 years of leadership and innovation.”

“Not only are New Jersey and Israel comparable in size, but we share strong economic ties that have proven mutually fruitful. On this momentous occasion, I would like to congratulate the State of Israel on its 65th anniversary, and hope that we will continue to cultivate relationships that will be equally beneficial to New Jersey residents and the people of Israel,” said Diegnan (D-Middlesex).

“One of the things that make this country great is its diversity. Like many other cultural groups who have made this country their home, Jewish people have made great contributions to the American way of life and for that we are thankful,” said Mosquera (D-Camden/Gloucester). “Congratulations to the Jewish community here and in the Middle East as they celebrate one more year of independence.”

“What the State of Israel has achieved in such a short span and under such duress is worthy of admiration and recognition,” said Wisniewski (D-Middlesex). “Israel is not only a friend of New Jersey, but an important ally in our economic endeavors. As they ready to celebrate this milestone, I would like to congratulate Israel and its citizens on 65 years of independence and moving forward.”

“Despite the adversities that continue to challenge this young country, Israel has established a parliamentary democracy and managed to provide its citizens with the highest standards of living and human equality in the region,” said Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic). “On behalf of the Assembly, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to the State of Israel and its citizens on 65 years of independence.”