70 years ago on May 14th, 1948, the State of Israel officially became an independent country. And 70 years later on May 14th, 2018, a delegation headed by the Counsel General to the Pacific Northwest, Shlomi Kofman, was invited to the floor of both houses of the California State Legislator to honor and celebrate this most historic day. Under the initiative and leadership of Senator Ben Allen, the California State Senate passed Senate Resolution 109. In the California Assembly, ASM Laura Freidman took the helm in sponsoring HR 107. Both resolutions honor Israel’s 70th year anniversary and were passed through their respective chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support memorializing this most commemorative year for Israel.
Governor Edmund “Jerry” G. Brown issued a gubernatorial letter praising the friendship between California and Israel. In his letter, Governor Brown reaffirmed the same sentiments of friendship and admiration for Israel previously demonstrated when he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu two years ago. Additionally, many members of California’s congressional delegation have sent emails and praises honoring Israel’s 70th year anniversary. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo presented the Consul General with a certificate of special congressional recognition honoring Israel. Mayor Mark Farrell of San Francisco, Sister City of Haifa in Israel and home of the Consulate General to the Pacific Northwest, has presented the consulate with a proclamation honoring the 70th year anniversary of the modern Jewish state of Israel.
Many other leaders throughout the Pacific Northwest have made it a point to honor Israel. We are gladdened and honored to announce that Governor Steve Bullock of Montana and Governor Bill Walker of Alaska have both issued proclamations celebrating the 70th year anniversary of Israel. The Republican State Senators in Washington State have also issued a proclamation honoring Israel.
As we move forward through the 70th year anniversary of Israel, the Consul General to the Pacific Northwest looks forward to deepening the bonds of fellowship and friendship between the peoples of the United States and the people of the state of Israel. Our two countries hold so much in common, and we share many of the same values. Collaboration, partnership, and our shared belief in democracy and freedom are beacons that shine as an example for the world. They will continue to serve to bring our two great countries closer together in the years to come.