WHEREAS, the Jewish people established the sovereign and independent State of Israel on May 14, 1948, and the United States immediately recognized and established full diplomatic relations with Israel; and
WHEREAS, 2023 marks 75 years since the Jewish people regained independence in their ancient homeland; and
WHEREAS, Israel is one of the smallest countries in the world, yet it is also one of the world leaders in technology and innovation as well as a world leader in the number of start-ups per capita; and
WHEREAS, Israel harnesses its technological innovation for the greater good to address global challenges and goals, such as sustainable energy, water management, cyber security, and medical innovations to name a few; and
WHEREAS, 2023 also marks 75 years of robust relations between the United States and Israel, reflected in the relations between the State of North Carolina and Israel, a relationship based on mutually shared democratic values, common strategic interests, and moral bonds of friendship and mutual respect; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina recognizes that the State of Israel faces threats to its security and its economy, and in 2017, House Bill 161 was signed into law to prevent investment into any entity that boycotts Israel; and
WHEREAS, Israel is an important contributor to North Carolina’s economy, as exemplified by Israeli companies like Believer Meats, Palzav, and Albaad establishing major operations in our state; and
WHEREAS, Israel is a critical ally of the United States in the Middle East; the United States played a key role in establishing the historic Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco; and
WHEREAS, the deepening regional ties sparked by the Abraham Accords are creating further opportunities for expanding economic relations between North Carolina, the State of Israel, and other countries in the Middle East;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 7, 2023, as a day “IN RECOGNITION OF THE 75th ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAEL” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.