By Gina Martinez
State Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) honored Israel’s Independence Day with a legislative resolution congratulating the country on 70 years of statehood.
The resolution comes ahead of the upcoming May 14 anniversary. Rozic said the resolution congratulates the state of Israel on its independence and recognizes advancements made in the face of conflict and oppression.
Rozic is the first and only Israeli-born member elected to the state Legislature and said it was an honor to celebrate the occasion.
“In addition to commemorating Israel’s 70 years of statehood, we are also celebrating the shared interests and trusted relationship between the people of New York and the people of Israel that grows stronger each year,” she said.
Rozic has led efforts to promote the security of Israel through a series of legislative actions and has joined colleagues in signing a resolution condemning the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement and supporting Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish, democratic state. She also sponsored a bill that would keep New York state’s existing sanctions against businesses supporting Iranian nuclear and energy sectors.
This year marks 70 years of statehood for Israel. Rozic said since its founding in 1948, Israel has rebuilt a nation, established a democracy, and continues to strive for peace with security and dignity for itself and neighbors.
Americans Jewish Committee NY Director Michael Schmidt said the United States has been one of Israel’s closest partners and allies since its early beginnings.
“The strong ties that bond New Yorkers and Israelis can be seen daily through industry and high-tech companies to strong familial connections to communities of faith — Jewish, Muslim and Christian — who all recognize and value the spiritual holiness of Israel,” he said. “We stand proud in support of all that Israel has accomplished and brought to the world over the past 70 years.”
The resolution recognizes Israel’s beginnings, contributions and successes.
“The modern State of Israel was born out of the ashes of the Holocaust and World War II where the death of 6 million Jews did not eliminate the will of a people to seek dignity in life and a place of respect and recognition among the people of the civilized world,” the resolution said. “Israel has made significant global contributions in the fields of science, medicine, and technology; and Israel continues to strive for peace with security and dignity for itself, its neighbors and throughout the world in order to fulfill the prophecy of becoming a light unto the nations; and the people of New York share an affinity with the people of Israel and view Israel as a strong and trusted ally.”
Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmart
