|
Alabama-Israel Task Force (AITF) - Remembering Our Past, Shaping Our Future
|
|
|
Official Presentation in Montgomery (SJR27) - Brief Overview
Alabama Recognizes Jerusalem as the Eternal Undivided Capital of Israel
and Affirms U.S. Embassy Move in Historic Resolution
What: Honoring Alabama’s historic recognition of Jerusalem with presentation and photos in the Old Alabama House Chamber of the Alabama Capitol in Montgomery, with Alabama and Israeli leadership, to connect the history and legacy of the two resolutions - from 1943 (regarding Israel) and 2019 (regarding Jerusalem) - by using the chambers from which the original came. Alabama recognized Jerusalem as the “eternal undivided capital” of Israel and affirmed the U.S. Embassy move in a historic joint resolution. It was the first state to formally do so, and it originated from the same legislative body that - over 75 years ago, in the midst of World War II - formally called for the recognition of the Jewish state and homeland through a unanimous joint resolution five years before Israel was reborn as a nation.
When: 3:30pm Monday May 20th, 2019
Where: Alabama State Capital, 2nd Floor (Old House Chamber), 600 Dexter Ave Montgomery, AL
Official Presentation in Montgomery (SJR27) - The Record
Alabama State Capital, Old House Chamber ~ 3:30pm Monday May 20th, 2019
Overview - Summary/Links/Photos (HTML) • Photo Album (HTML)
Commemorative Presentation in Jerusalem (SJR27) - The Record
Israeli Knesset, Chagall State Hall ~ 12:30pm Wednesday November 6th, 2019
Overview - Summary/Links/Photos (HTML) • Photo Album (HTML)
|
|
|
Alabama’s Historic Recognition of Jerusalem
Alabama State Capital, Old House Chamber ~ 3:30pm Monday May 20th, 2019
Alabama dignitaries, Israeli dignitaries, and 32 leaders from 24 Pro-Israel organizations across the state gathered to commemorate, honor, and celebrate a historic moment in the Alabama-Israel relationship.
Through the last 76 years there have been many special moments in the relationship between the state of Alabama and the state of Israel, but there are two moments, that are not only deeply meaningful, but when Alabama led the nation as the first state to do so in regard to each. Two moments that burn as a shining light, and are worthy of special honor and remembrance: The first a historic joint resolution in 1943 (regarding Israel), and now a historic joint resolution in 2019 (regarding Jerusalem).
In 1943, 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 systematic extermination of the Jewish people, Alabama led the nation with an official call for the establishment of the Jewish state and homeland through a unanimous joint resolution five years before Israel was reborn as a nation
In 2019, carrying on this very special legacy, Alabama recognized Jerusalem as the “eternal undivided” capital of Israel and affirmed the U.S. Embassy move in a historic joint resolution regarding Jerusalem. Israel recognizes Jerusalem as its eternal undivided capital, and many of Israel’s closest friends and allies refer to Jerusalem often in the same way, but this is the first formal recognition that does so, and it originated from the same legislative body that - over 75 years ago, in the midst of World War II – formally called for the recognition of the Jewish state and homeland.
So Alabama and Israeli leaders gathered in the Old Alabama House Chamber across the hall from the Old Alabama Senate Chamber, the very place from which the 1943 resolution (SJR4) came more than 75 years ago, to connect the HISTORY and LEGACY of these two historic resolutions, as the latter one (SJR27) was officially presented this day in 2019.
Senator Orr, Senator Waggoner – Thank you for your leadership and for sponsoring and co-sponsoring this historic joint resolution in the Senate. Speaker McCutcheon, Representative Gaston, Representative Jones – Thank you for your leadership and support for this historic joint resolution in the House. Governor Ivey - Thank you for your leadership and support for this historic joint resolution from your office, and for many years of tremendous support for a strong Alabama-Israel relationship. And thank you to the 32 leaders from 24 Pro-Israel organizations who traveled from around the state to share in the commemoration - to honor this special moment - and for your vital on-going work.
AL SJR27 Presentation in Montgomery - The Occasion (PDF) • The Resolution (PDF) • Letter from Israel (PDF) • Photo Album
Resolution Text (Act 66, SJR 27, 2019 Regular Session) - Typed (PDF) • Scanned (PDF) |
|
|
|
Alabama State Capitol
600 Dexter Ave Montgomery, AL
The 2nd Floor includes the Old Alabama House Chamber and Old Alabama Senate Chamber where the commemoration of SJR27 occurred in 2019 and from where SJR4 originated in 1943. |
|
Old Alabama House Chamber
Alabama State Capitol (2nd Floor),
600 Dexter Ave Montgomery, AL
The 2nd Floor of the Alabama State Capitol includes the Old Alabama House Chamber and Old Alabama Senate Chamber where the commemoration of SJR27 occurred in 2019 and from where SJR4 originated in 1943. |
|
COMMEMORATION
The official commemoration begins in the Old Alabama House Chamber for SJR27 in 2019, with view across the hall into
the Old Alabama Senate Chamber, from where SJR4 originated in 1943. |
|
WELCOME
Opening welcome to Alabama dignitaries, Israeli dignitaries, and 32 leaders from 24 Pro-Israel organizations from across the state gathered to commemorate, honor, and celebrate a historic moment in the Alabama-Israel relationship.
Pictured: John Buhler, Co-Chair Alabama-Israel Task Force (AITF) |
|
|
GRATITUDE
Deep gratitude was expressed to each of those who had a leadership role in this historic joint resolution (SJR27).
Senator Orr, Senator Waggoner – Thank you for your leadership and for sponsoring and co-sponsoring this historic joint resolution in the Senate. Speaker McCutcheon, Representative Gaston, Representative Jones – Thank you for your leadership and support for this historic joint resolution in the House. Governor Ivey - Thank you for your leadership and support for this historic joint resolution from your office, and for many years of tremendous support for a strong Alabama-Israel relationship. And thank you to the 32 leaders from 24 Pro-Israel organizations who traveled from around the state to share in the commemoration - to honor this special moment - and for your vital on-going work. |
|
|
ALABAMA DIGNITARIES - LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP
SJR27 was a Joint Resolution of the Legislature that originated from the Alabama Senate in 2019 regarding Jerusalem (as was also SJR4 in 1943 regarding Israel). Being a joint resolution, the legislative leaders from the Alabama Senate and Alabama House prepare to jointly present the resolution officially to Israeli leadership present.
Pictured (Left-to-Right): Senator Arthur Orr, Sponsor SJR27; Senator Jabo Waggoner, Senate Rules Chair, Co-Sponsor SJR27; Representative Mac McCutcheon, Speaker of the House |
|
|
THE READING OF THE RESOLUTION
The joint resolution (SJR27) being read to Israeli leadership and distinguished guests by Senator Arthur Orr, Sponsor of the resolution.
Among other, the resolution highlights Jerusalem has never been the capital of any other sovereign nation, Israel’s right under international law and custom to designate its own capital, Jerusalem’s imposed division and later reunification that made whole again the nation’s historic capital, and the overwhelming bipartisan support of the Jerusalem Embassy Act that has been encoded in U.S. law for over two decades that included Jerusalem’s recognition as capital and required the embassy move.
Pictured (Left-to-Right): Representative Mac McCutcheon, Speaker of the House; Senator Jabo Waggoner, Senate Rules Chair, Co-Sponsor SJR27; Senator Arthur Orr, Sponsor SJR27; |
|
|
STANDING OVATION
Standing ovation occurs as Senator Orr reads the “BE IT RESOLVED” conclusion of the resolution (SJR27):
“BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That we do unequivocally recognize Jerusalem as the eternal undivided capital of Israel, and do fully affirm and celebrate the move of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem.”
“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That it is directed that copy of this resolution be forwarded to the President of the United States, to the Alabama Delegation to the United States Congress, to the Governors of all the United States of America, and to the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., for transmission to all the proper authorities in the State of Israel.”
Pictured (Left-to-Right): Representative Mac McCutcheon, Speaker of the House; Senator Jabo Waggoner, Senate Rules Chair, Co-Sponsor SJR27; Senator Arthur Orr, Sponsor SJR27; |
|
|
THE PRESENTATION - ALABAMA TO ISRAEL
The Resolution (SJR27) is officially presented by Alabama leadership to Israeli leadership (Guy Gilady from the Israeli Consulate).
Pictured (Left-to-Right): Senator Arthur Orr, Sponsor SJR27; Guy Gilady, Israeli Consulate; Senator Jabo Waggoner, Senate Rules Chair, Co-Sponsor SJR27; Representative Mac McCutcheon, Speaker of the House; |
|
THE PRESENTATION - ALABAMA TO ISRAEL
The Resolution (SJR27) is officially presented by Alabama leadership to Israeli leadership (Guy Gilady from the Israeli Consulate).
Pictured (Left-to-Right): Senator Arthur Orr, Sponsor SJR27; Guy Gilady, Israeli Consulate; Senator Jabo Waggoner, Senate Rules Chair, Co-Sponsor SJR27; Representative Mac McCutcheon, Speaker of the House; |
|
THE PRESENTATION - ALABAMA TO ISRAEL
The Resolution (SJR27) is officially presented by Alabama leadership to Israeli leadership (Guy Gilady from the Israeli Consulate).
Pictured (Left-to-Right): Senator Arthur Orr, Sponsor SJR27; Guy Gilady, Israeli Consulate; Senator Jabo Waggoner, Senate Rules Chair, Co-Sponsor SJR27; Representative Mac McCutcheon, Speaker of the House; |
|
REMARKS FROM ISRAEL
Leadership from Israel shares remarks on behalf of the state of Israel.
Pictured: Guy Gilady, Israeli Consulate; |
|
REMARKS FROM ISRAEL
Leadership from Israel expressing deep gratitude on behalf of the state of Israel to the Governor, the Alabama Legislature, and the state of Alabama for the strong and unequivocal support as expressed through the historic joint resolution SJR27 – formally recognizing Jerusalem as the eternal undivided capital of Israel, and affirming the U.S. Embassy move.
Pictured: Guy Gilady, Israeli Consulate; |
|
REMARKS FROM ISRAEL
Leadership from Israel with closing remarks on behalf of the state of Israel. Speaking in the Old Alabama House Chamber, across from the Old Alabama Senate Chamber, from which the historic resolution came in 1943 (regarding Israel).
Pictured: Guy Gilady, Israeli Consulate; |
|
ALABAMA LEADERSHIP - ISRAELI LEADERSHIP
Alabama and Israeli leadership together holding the presented resolution (SJR27).
Pictured (Left-to-Right): Guy Gilady, Israeli Consulate; Senator Arthur Orr, Sponsor SJR27; Senator Jabo Waggoner, Senate Rules Chair, Co-Sponsor SJR27; Representative Mac McCutcheon, Speaker of the House; |
|
ALABAMA LEADERSHIP - ISRAELI LEADERSHIP
Tom Parker, Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, and his wife Dottie were married in Israel. He hosted Alabama and Israeli leadership in his office prior and after the presentation at the capitol.
Pictured (Left-to-Right): Guy Gilady, Israeli Consulate; Tom Parker, Chief Justice Alabama Supreme Court; Dottie Parker; |
|
Old Alabama Senate Chamber
Alabama State Capitol (2nd Floor),
600 Dexter Ave Montgomery, AL
The 2nd Floor of the Alabama State Capitol includes the Old Alabama House Chamber and Old Alabama Senate Chamber where the commemoration of SJR27 occurred in 2019 and from where SJR4 originated in 1943. |
|
|
ALABAMA STATE LEADERS
32 Leaders from 24 Pro-Israel organizations traveled from around the state to share in the special commemoration and honor this historic moment and the official presentation to Israeli leadership of SJR27 (regarding Jerusalem). Many are pictured together here, with Alabama and Israeli dignitaries, in the Old Alabama Senate Chamber from where SJR4 (regarding Israel) originally came in 1943.
Leadership from organizations around the state included the following among other ...
Alabama-Israel Task Force (AITF), Chairs
Alabama Baptist Convention, Leadership and Former President
Alabama Holocaust Commission, Board and Foundation
Ambassadors for Israel Global, Directors
American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), State Leaders
Awareness Ministries, Director
Birmingham Jewish Federation (BJF), Director
Christian Advocates for Israel (CAFI), Founders and Directors
Christian Friends of Yad VaShem, State Leaders
Christians United for Israel (CUFI), State Directors
Church4Israel, Director
Cocoon Resources, Director |
Daughters of Zion, State Coordinators
Friends 2 Israel, Founders and Coordinators
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), Advisory Board
International Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem, Co-Chair
Israel Christian Nexus, Director
Israel InSight Magazine, Editor
Jewish Federation of Central Alabama (JFCA), Director
Jewish Federation of Huntsville and North Alabama (JFHNA), President
National Day of Prayer, SE Regional Directors
One Heart for Israel, President
Southern Jewish Life Magazine, Editor
Volatile Analysis, CEO |
Also included Guy Gilady, Israeli Consulate; Senator Arthur Orr, Sponsor SJR27; Senator Jabo Waggoner, Senate Rules Chair, Co-Sponsor SJR27; Representative Mac McCutcheon, Speaker of the House; Tom Parker, Chief Justice Alabama Supreme Court;
Pictured (Left-to-Right): Richard Friedman (Birmingham); Ann Cox (Huntsville); Rusty Nelson (Huntsville); Alex Nelson (Huntsville); Laura King (Harvest); Patrick Penn (Huntsville); Andrea Penn (Huntsville); Robert Somerville (Gurley); John Buhler (Decatur); Larry Brook (Birmingham); Dottie Parker (Montgomery); Tom Parker (Montgomery); John Killian (Fayette); Jabo Waggoner (Birmingham); Guy Gilady (Israel); Arthur Orr (Decatur); Mac McCutcheon (Monrovia); Kevin Dieckilman (Madison); Toby Mendelson (Huntsville); Brandy Gibson (Birmingham); Robin Rowan (Mobile); Gwen Bradley (Prattville); Willie Bradley (Prattville); Ann Bennett (Opelika); Karen Ellard (Birmingham); Tzlil McDonald (Montgomery); Jerry Ellard (Birmingham); Chona Lane (Opelika); |
|
|
ALABAMA LEADERSHIP - ISRAELI LEADERSHIP
Alabama and Israeli leadership together holding the presented resolution (SJR27) regarding Jerusalem in the Old Alabama Senate Chamber, the very place where the historic resolution regarding Israel (SJR4) originated from in 1943.
Pictured (Left-to-Right): Senator Jabo Waggoner, Senate Rules Chair, Co-Sponsor SJR27; Guy Gilady, Israeli Consulate; Senator Arthur Orr, Sponsor SJR27; Representative Mac McCutcheon, Speaker of the House; |
|
ALABAMA LEADERSHIP - ISRAELI LEADERSHIP
Alabama and Israeli leadership together holding the presented resolution (SJR27) regarding Jerusalem in the Old Alabama Senate Chamber, the very place where the historic resolution regarding Israel (SJR4) originated from in 1943.
Pictured (Left-to-Right): Senator Jabo Waggoner, Senate Rules Chair, Co-Sponsor SJR27; Guy Gilady, Israeli Consulate; Senator Arthur Orr, Sponsor SJR27; Representative Mac McCutcheon, Speaker of the House; |
|
|
ALABAMA LEADERSHIP - ISRAELI LEADERSHIP
Alabama and Israeli leadership together holding the presented resolution (SJR27) regarding Jerusalem in the Old Alabama Senate Chamber, the very place where the historic resolution regarding Israel (SJR4) originated from in 1943.
Pictured (Left-to-Right): Senator Jabo Waggoner, Senate Rules Chair, Co-Sponsor SJR27; Guy Gilady, Israeli Consulate; Senator Arthur Orr, Sponsor SJR27; Representative Mac McCutcheon, Speaker of the House;
Resolution Text (Act 66, SJR 27, 2019 Regular Session) - Typed (PDF) • Scanned (PDF)
Commemorative Presentation in Jerusalem (SJR27) - The Record
Israeli Knesset, Chagall State Hall ~ 12:30pm Wednesday November 6th, 2019
Overview - Summary/Links/Photos (HTML) • Photo Album (HTML) |
|
|
THE COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE
Commemorative plaque inscribed with the actual text of the historic resolution (SJR27) recognizing Jerusalem as the eternal undivided capital of Israel, and affirming the move of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. It was also presented to Israeli leadership, Guy Gilady from the Israeli Consulate, during a leaders dinner that followed the official presentation in the capitol.
Resolution Text (Act 66, SJR 27, 2019 Regular Session) - Typed (PDF) • Scanned (PDF) |
|
THE LETTER FROM ISRAEL
Israel also sent a special letter to Alabama Senator Arthur Orr, sponsor of SJR27, and to Alabama Governor Kay Ivey expressing deep appreciation for Alabama’s unequivocal support as expressed through the historic joint resolution (SJR27).
AL SJR27 Presentation in Montgomery - Letter from Israel (PDF) |
|
|
Related Presentations (SJR27)
Alabama Capitol, Israeli Knesset, Alabama Governor
Official Presentation in Montgomery (SJR27)
Alabama State Capital, Old House Chamber ~ 3:30pm Monday May 20th, 2019
Overview - Summary/Links/Photos (HTML) • Photo Album (HTML)
Commemorative Presentation in Jerusalem (SJR27)
Israeli Knesset, Chagall State Hall ~ 12:30pm Wednesday November 6th, 2019
Overview - Summary/Links/Photos (HTML) • Photo Album (HTML)
Special Presentation to the Governor (SJR27)
Alabama State Capitol, Office of the Governor ~ 9:30am Monday December 9th, 2019
Overview - Summary/Links/Photos (HTML) • Photo Album (HTML)
|
|
|
Alabama-Israel Task Force (AITF)
|
|
