Alabama Honors 75th Anniversary of Israel, 80th Anniversary of Historic Resolution,
and Reaffirms Bonds of Friendship

April 14, 2023 (Montgomery, AL) – The state of Alabama expressed a deeply meaningful gesture as the 75th anniversary of Israel’s Independence approaches. Alabama honored Israel’s 75th anniversary, reaffirmed Alabama’s historic resolution from 1943, honored the 80th anniversary of its passing, and reaffirmed the bonds of friendship between Alabama and Israel in a purposeful, powerful, and warm joint resolution (Act 7, SJR 8, 2023 Regular Session). It received overwhelming bipartisan support, including every single Alabama Senator cosponsoring it, from the originating chamber. 

Among other, the resolution recognizes the over 3,000 year history and roots of the Jewish people in the land of Israel, and celebrates the historic significance of - 75 years ago - the Jewish people regaining independence in their ancestral homeland, and Israel becoming once again the world’s only sovereign Jewish state, with Jerusalem, once again, its capital. It commends the remarkable achievements of the young nation, highlights the peace with Egypt and Jordan and new opportunities through the Abraham Accords, while affirming commitment to Israel’s security and to continued friendship, with warm congratulations. 

It is also significant in noting this year marks a very special double anniversary in the long and meaningful history and relationship between Alabama and Israel. It is the 75th Anniversary of Israel’s Independence. It is the 80th Anniversary of Alabama’s historic 1943 joint resolution that - in the midst of World War II - led the nation in calling for the establishment of the Jewish state in its ancestral homeland, five years before Israel was reborn as a nation (Act 144, SJR 4, 1943 Regular Session). 

For many the timing is also especially meaningful as the resolution (SJR8) passed the Alabama Legislature Thursday April 6th, the day the biblical Passover began. So it was a very special gift to Israel and the Jewish people during Passover, and to the Christian community during Holy Week. The Alabama Governor signed it Friday April 14th, the morning after the seven days of Unleavened Bread completed, and just a week and a half before the actual day marking the 75th anniversary of Israel's Independence (Yom Haatzmaut). 

Reference SJR8 Text (IMG)(PDF)(HTML)

Alabama Joint Resolution
(Act 7, SJR 8, 2023 Regular Session)

HONORING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL AND REAFFIRMING THE BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION BETWEEN ALABAMA AND ISRAEL

WHEREAS, on May 14, 1948, the people of Israel proclaimed the establishment of the sovereign and independent State of Israel and the United States immediately recognized Israel and established full diplomatic relations; and 

WHEREAS, this year marks the 75th anniversary of the fulfillment of the dream and longing of the Jewish people to regain independence in their ancestral homeland, whose roots include their historic sovereignty in the Land of Israel, established over 3,000 years ago with the City of Jerusalem then, as it is now, the capital of the world's only sovereign Jewish state; and 

WHEREAS, Alabama and Israel share a commitment to deeply held common values from the history of each shaped greatly through the influence of Biblical faith, in addition to many nationally shared values as the only democratic ally of the United States in the Middle East; and 

WHEREAS, Israel is one of the smallest countries in the world, yet it is also one of the world leaders in technology and innovation, helping to face global challenges through pioneering research and development in sustainable energy, medicine, cybersecurity, and more; and 

WHEREAS, since its establishment, the modern State of Israel has rebuilt the nation, forged a vibrant democracy, developed a dynamic society, and created a thriving economic, political, cultural, and intellectual life despite heavy burdens of war and terrorism; and 

WHEREAS, the State of Alabama is an unequivocal supporter of the State of Israel and its right to defend itself against terror and any threat to its security; and 

WHEREAS, Israel's peace with Egypt and Jordan and the signing of the recent Abraham Accords paves the way for further regional stability and a new era of opportunity between Israel and her Arab neighbors and gives hope for a better future for all; and 

WHEREAS, the State of Alabama remains committed to a future where the State of Israel and all her neighbors can live in peace, with mutual recognition of each other's dignity and sovereignty; and 

WHEREAS, in the midst of World War II, when the axis powers were not only waging world war against America and Europe, but also seeking the mass murder and systematic extermination of the Jewish people, Alabama led the nation in an official call for the establishment of the Jewish state in its ancestral homeland, five years before Israel was reborn as a nation; and 

WHEREAS, this year also marks the 80th anniversary of that historic resolution, Act 144, Senate Joint Resolution, 1943 Regular Session, and the beginning of a long history of devoted friendship, cooperation, and strong unwavering support from the State of Alabama for the State of Israel; and 

WHEREAS, the strong bond between Alabama and Israel continues to be expressed in growing political, cultural, economic, academic, business, and community partnerships for the mutual benefit of our people; now therefore, 

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That the State of Alabama: 

(1) Honors and celebrates the historic significance of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, becoming once again the world's only nation state of the Jewish people, in its ancestral homeland with Jerusalem, once again, its eternal undivided capital. 

(2) Recognizes and supports Israel in its legal, historical, and moral right to independence and self-determination. 

(3) Commends the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements, resilience, and determination in building a new and flourishing state in the face of hatred, terrorism, hostility, and belligerence by neighbors and others in the international community. 

(4) Reaffirms the historic 1943 joint resolution from Alabama supporting the establishment of the Jewish state and homeland in Israel and celebrates the historic significance of the 80th anniversary of its passing. 

(5) Commits to the continued friendship, cooperation, and strengthening of the relationship between Alabama and Israel, for the good of Alabama, Israel, the United States, and the family of nations. 

(6) Extends the warmest congratulations, heartfelt prayers, declared blessings, and best wishes to the State of Israel and her people for a peaceful, prosperous, and successful future. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That it is directed that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Alabama Delegation to the United States Congress, and to the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., for transmission to all the proper authorities in the State of Israel.  

Alabama Secretary of State Records
https://arc-sos.state.al.us/ucp/L1234919.AI1.pdf