STATE OF NEW YORK
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER
Proclamation
Whereas, the people of the Empire State have a longstanding tradition of acknowledging significant milestones and events of historical importance, therefore, we proudly join with the Jewish people and communities of this State and Nation to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut – the official observance of Israel Independence Day, marking the 61st Anniversary of the establishment of a free and sovereign State of Israel on May 14, 1948; and
Whereas, the Empire State’s greatest strength is its diversity of people, including a vibrant Jewish population that shares a wonderful cultural heritage with all New Yorkers and, as home to the largest Jewish population in America, New York proudly supports the State of Israel and a strong association built upon our longstanding friendship and mutual respect; and
Whereas, it was on November 29, 1947 that the United Nations General Assembly voted to adopt a special committee’s recommendation to partition Palestine, resulting in the creation of the State of Israel in 1948, and in the decades since, the nascent yet valiant State of Israel has prospered as the restored Jewish homeland; and
Whereas, as a successfully independent democracy – the only one in the Middle East today – the State of Israel has forged a new identity as a free and sovereign nation of people, and Israel has proven to be a resourceful and courageous nation throughout the decades, seeking to establish as its basic, fundamental principles those same values upon which the United States was founded – freedom, opportunity and justice; and
Whereas, the worldwide community of people who were born in the Israeli homeland, or with ancestral ties to Israel, continually demonstrate their greatness, and their contributions are noteworthy and include achievements that encompass a wide range of endeavors in areas including education, medicine, science, technology and industry; and
Whereas, the Empire State welcomes the opportunity to be the site of events which promote a greater understanding of various cultures of the world and this celebration of the 61st Anniversary of Israel’s independence provides an excellent means by which all New Yorkers can appreciate the history and legacy of the Jewish people, while preserving this ancient culture for future generations of Jewish Americans and, on this occasion, the citizens of New York State join to recognize and congratulate the entire Jewish American community;
Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim May 14, 2009 as
ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY
in the Empire State and extend best wishes to all Jewish Americans as they hold appropriate celebrations throughout this entire year to commemorate this historic milestone.
G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twenty-first day of April in the year two thousand nine.
David A. Paterson
Governor
Lawrence Schwartz
Secretary to the Governor