house resolution no.108

Reps. Wittenberg and Berman offered the following resolution:

A resolution to support the United States' relationship with the State of Israel and the Middle East peace process and to call on the President and Congress of the United States to continue policies supporting this relationship.

Whereas, As a nation and a people, Israel exemplifies the essence of the will to live and achieve, courage and perseverance in the face of many obstacles, and dedication to democracy and heritage; and

Whereas, Israel and the United States are key allies bound closely by historic and cultural ties, shared values, and governments committed to democracy, justice, human rights, and freedoms, as well as by mutual interests including science, politics, bilateral counterterrorism, and education; and

Whereas, Since Israel’s founding in 1948, Congress has repeatedly expressed the United States' unwavering commitment to the security of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state through economic and security assistance and partnerships and other actions; and

Whereas, Supporting the U.S.-Israel relationship is a bipartisan issue, as the continuation and strengthening of that relationship is clearly in our nation’s best national interest; and

Whereas, Cooperation between Israel and the United States is of great importance, especially in the context of rising anti-Semitism, authoritarianism, and security problems in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa; and

Whereas, American policy has long sought peace to the Middle East and recognized that both the Israeli and Palestinian people should be able to live in safe and sovereign states, free from fear and violence, with mutual recognition; and

Whereas, The state of Michigan shares this commitment to a strong relationship with Israel. In January 2017, Michigan became the 16th state to enact laws condemning and outlawing discrimination against Israel and Israelis. The state and organizations within the state have made efforts to strengthen business ties between Michigan’s automotive and defense industries and Israel’s innovation and technical expertise; and

Whereas, Additional programs and partnerships between Michigan's and Israel's institutions and residents continue to benefit both parties. Michigan universities, such as the University of Michigan, have partnered with universities in Israel, including Ben Gurion University in the Negev and Technion Institute of Technology, to support and foster research, innovation, and collaboration. Programs have consistently brought members of the Michigan Jewish community to Israel and Israelis to Michigan to create new relationships and strengthen Jewish identity; and

Whereas, The potential for greater cooperation with Israel for the benefit of Michigan is unlimited but depends on continuing and strengthening the relationship between the United States and Israel; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we encourage continuing support for the relationship of the United States and Michigan to Israel, the Middle East peace process, and Israel’s right to exist and defend itself; and be it further

Resolved, That we call on the President and Congress of the United States to continue the mutually beneficial, bipartisan policies which enhance the economic stability and security of the State of Israel; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.