(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Members Nancy Pinkin, Gary Schaer, Valerie Vainieri Huttle and Pamela Lampitt recognizing the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel was recently approved by the Assembly.
New Jersey and Israel have a history of ties, most notably through a more than $1.6 billion trading partnership and New Jersey’s enactment of both Iran sanctions and legislation opposing Israel boycotts.
“It is also important to recognize, on this historic day that Israel is a prime example of a successful democracy and society,” said Pinkin (D-Middlesex). “The progress Israel has made in only 70 years is quite remarkable.”
Israel was established on May 14, 1948 following Jewish leadership’s acceptance of the United Nations’ Partition Plan to divide Mandatory Palestine during British rule. The Plan was rejected by Palestinian leadership.
“Israel is an extraordinary success story,” said Schaer (D-Bergen/Passaic). “Rising from the ashes, the Jewish State has been able to survive and thrive, all while being surrounded by those who want to wipe them off the map.”
Israel is celebrating their 70th Independence Day, or Yom Ha’atzmaut, today, and festivities will be taking place all day.
“Following our tour of Israel in March, we all gained a newfound appreciation for the State,” said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). “Israel is a nation whose miraculous existence should be celebrated.”
“To think that it only took Israel, a country the size of New Jersey, 70 years to become a global military and technological power is quite exceptional,” said Lampitt (D-Camden/Burlington). “In this short time, they have managed to become a world leader in medicine, science and technology.”
The resolution (AJR-63) was approved 72-0 on April 12.