Reps. Sheen, Caswell, Knollenberg, Calley, Agema, Moss, Meisner, Meekhof, Tobocman, Stahl, Rick Jones, Steil, Casperson, Hoogendyk, Horn, Opsommer, Emmons, Pearce, Shaffer, Marleau, Dean, Robertson, Amos, Proos, Brown, Espinoza, Gonzales, Leland, Nofs, Palmer, Ball, Booher, Lahti, Vagnozzi, Green, Palsrok and Pastor offered the following concurrent resolution:

            House Concurrent Resolution No. 67.

            A concurrent resolution to express support for the nation of Israel and to urge the President and Congress of the United States to continue to strengthen the ties between our two countries.

            Whereas, On September 11, 2001, the whole world witnessed the action of a modern enemy to the human right to life, the sanctity of faith, and the preservation of democratic freedoms. This enemy arms itself in sworn fervor to annihilate, through overt acts of terror, Jews and Christians and the democracies and nations that sustain them; and

             Whereas, Activities in the Middle East, Europe, and America demonstrate a rampant rise in anti-Semitism. While those perpetrating this anti-Semitism pledge themselves to violence upon innocents, they also seek to persuade, through their grievances, the whole world that persecution and destruction of Israel and Jewish people and those who support them are warranted. If history is allowed to repeat itself, the world will be severely troubled and the future threatened; and

            Whereas, Jewish communities have contributed to the growth and character of the United States and Michigan throughout our history. Those communities and their citizens have been an integral part of the development of every aspect of life here; and

            Whereas, Prior to and during World War II, citizens of Michigan traveled to and battled in Europe and rescued many Jewish families and individuals from the terror of the Holocaust. Many of the survivors of this nightmare resettled in Michigan, where they and their descendants remain valued citizens today; and

            Whereas, The Michigan-Israel Technology Venture was established in 1988 to foster exchanges of information and technology, and an Economic Development Cooperative Agreement was signed that same year between Michigan and Israel to promote trade and investment. These measures have generated a multitude of business, governmental, art, cultural, and educational links between the state of Michigan and the nation of Israel; and

Whereas, These partnerships have further strengthened the historic ties between our state and the nation of Israel. Since 1991, Michigan has exported more than $1 billion worth of manufactured goods to Israel. In 2006, exports from Michigan to Israel totaled over $101 million, and Israel now ranks as Michigan's 30th leading trade partner; and

            Whereas, In the wake of September 11, 2001, the United States and the state of Israel have experienced terrorist attacks on our innocent civilians through suicide missions and other forms of terrorism. Michigan citizens, along with all Americans, grieve the senseless loss of innocent lives due to all reckless acts of terror and evil throughout our world; and

            Whereas, It is most appropriate for Michigan again to reaffirm its unequivocal support for the nation of Israel at this time of challenge; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we express support for the nation of Israel and urge the President and Congress of the United States to continue to strengthen the ties between our two countries; and be it further

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