ASSEMBLY LEGISLATION HONORING ISRAEL SIGNED INTO LAW

ASSEMBLY LEGISLATION HONORING ISRAEL SIGNED INTO LAW

Measures Make Permanent New Jersey Israel Commission, Commemorate Israel’s 60th Anniversary

(TRENTON) – Gov. Jon S. Corzine today signed into law Assembly legislation honoring Israel, including plans to make permanent the New Jersey Israel Commission and to commemorate Israel’s 60th anniversary.

The New Jersey-Israel Commission was established in 1988 to honor Israel’s 40th anniversary and promote trade, science and technology, tourism and cultural and economic exchanges.

An executive order extended the commission to 2012, but legislation (A-3162) sponsored by Assembly members Gordon Johnson, Valerie Vainieri Huttle (both D-Bergen), Gary S. Schaer (D-Passaic) and Cary Rodriguez (D-Hudson) makes it permanent.

“Israel has been a steadfast friend and faithful ally of the United States over the past six decades, all the while showing immense bravery in the face of countless terrorist attacks,” said Johnson. “It’s also developed one of the world’s most vibrant economies, so anything New Jersey can do to promote and maintain ties with Israel is the right thing to do.”

Corzine also signed a measure congratulating Israel on the 60th anniversary of its independence. That bill is sponsored by Johnson, Vainieri Huttle, Schaer and Assemblywomen Pamela R. Lampitt (D-Camden) and Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex./Mercer).

The measure (AJR78/102) notes Israel was established following World War II as a place where the world’s Jewish community could practice their religion free from persecution and discrimination.

“For many New Jerseyans, families ties connect them directly to Israel,” said Vainieri Huttle. “Honoring Israel in this anniversary year also honors the families here in New Jersey who yearn for nothing more a secure future for their loved ones.”

“Given the close political, economic and cultural ties between Israel and the United States, it’s fitting to recognize and honor Israel on the 60th anniversary of its founding,” said Lampitt. “Israel is a friend and ally of the United States and has come to this nation’s aid in times of crisis. We should commemorate and honor what its accomplished.”

“Israel has endured terrorist attacks that have indiscriminately killed many innocent men, women and children;” Schaer said. “In spite of these hardships, it’s proven a beacon for freedom and a valuable ally to the United States. Recognizing that is fitting and proper.”

“Israel emerged from the atrocities of World War II to become a light for hope and freedom and has persevered against hardships ever since to emerge as an economic and cultural force,” said Greenstein, who along with Schaer is a member of the New Jersey Israel Commission. ”We should be honoring these remarkable six decades.”

“Making this commission permanent will help develop trade and cultural and educational exchanges and encourage the development of capital investment and joint business ventures,” Rodriguez said. “It’s the right and smart thing to do.”

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