House Joint Resolution 0744      A RESOLUTION to offer support for the Nation of Israel.

    WHEREAS, there have been established and recognized Jewish communities throughout the State of Tennessee since before the 1850’s, and those communities and their citizens have been an integral part of the development of every aspect of this State; and

    WHEREAS, prior to and during World War II, citizens of the State of Tennessee traveled to Europe and rescued many Jewish families and individuals from the terror and tyranny of the Holocaust and resettled those individuals and families in the State of Tennessee, where they and their descendants remain valued citizens today; and

    WHEREAS, in 1996 Governor Don Sundquist signed the Tennessee-Israel Cooperation Agreement with the State of Israel, resulting in business, government, art, cultural, educational, and university activities between the State of Tennessee and the Nation of Israel, and further strengthening the historic ties between our State and that country; and

    WHEREAS, the United States of America and Israel have a long history of friendship and are great allies in support of each other’s interests; and

    WHETREAS, on Friday, January 9, 2009, the 111th Congress passed House Resolution 34 in support of Israel with overwhelming support. The Resolution, which recognizes Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza, passed 390-5 with 22 voting “present” and 16 not voting; and

    WHEREAS, the Lord of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob promises in Genesis 12:3 to bless those that bless Israel: “I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”; and

    WHEREAS, the State of Israel and the United States each continue to experience terrorist attacks on innocent civilians, as well as our military personnel, as a result of suicide missions and other forms of terrorism; and

    WHEREAS, at this time on continued uncertainty in the world, Tennessee again desires to re-affirm its friendship with the Nation of Israel by expressing its unequivocal support for the State of Israel; now, therefore,

    BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE CONCURRING, that we hereby offer Tennessee’s support, compassion, blessings, friendship, and esteem to Israel, and declare that we remain steadfast in our support of the State of Israel.

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an enrolled copy of this resolution be forwarded to the President of the United States, the United States Congress, and the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C. for transmission to the proper authorities in the State of Israel.