Alabama Legislature salutes Israel at 75
In May 2021, Alabama passed a resolution supporting Israel during an onslaught of rocket fire from Hamas in Gaza. Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon attended the signing by Governor Kay Ivey. (IIS file photo)
On April 14, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed Alabama Senate Joint Resolution 8, which honors the 75th anniversary of Israel, and reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Alabama and Israel.
The resolution also marks the 80th anniversary of the Alabama Legislature’s call in 1943, in support of establishing a Jewish homeland in the land of Israel. That is regarded as the first such resolution of any state in the U.S.
The bill received widespread bipartisan support, including every senator co-sponsoring it.
The bill was introduced by Sen. Arthur Orr on March 21 and passed the Senate on March 23. It was reported out of committee to the House on April 6, and passed the same day.
A statement from the Alabama-Israel Task Force mentioned that April 6 was the first day of Passover, making the timing even more meaningful. “It was a very special gift to Israel and the Jewish people during Passover, and to the Christian community during Holy Week.”
The resolution notes the 3,000-year history of the Jewish people in the land, supports Israel’s right to self defense, and applauds the recent Abraham Accords agreements, along with the continued peace with Egypt and Jordan.
The resolution also notes that “Alabama and Israel share a commitment to deeply held common values from the history of each shaped greatly through the influence of Biblical faith, in addition to many nationally shared values as the only democratic ally of the United States in the Middle East.”
The resolution honors Israel’s 75th anniversary, commends the people of Israel for remarkable achievements and “Commits to the continued friendship, cooperation, and strengthening of the relationship between Alabama and Israel, for the good of Alabama, Israel, the United States, and the family of nations.”
This is the latest in a series of pro-Israel resolutions, including a May 2021 resolution expressing solidarity with Israel and condemning terrorism from Gaza, an April 2019 resolution marking the U.S. embassy move to Jerusalem and recognizing Jerusalem as the “eternal, undivided” capital of the Jewish people, a June 2017 proclamation on the 50th anniversary of Jerusalem’s reunification, and anti-BDS legislation in 2016.
Plans are being made to present a copy of the resolution to Israeli Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon, who is at the consulate in Atlanta, during an upcoming trip to Alabama.
