50th Anniversary of the Reunification of Jerusalem Day

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama
WHEREAS, June 7, 2017 is the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem and the national commemoration includes live coordinated events from our nation’s capital and in Jerusalem with U.S. and Israeli dignitaries; and
WHEREAS, Alabama has a long history of strong support for the State of Israel; and
WHEREAS, in 1943, Alabama led the nation in an official call for the establishment of the Jewish state and homeland passing a unanimous joint resolution signed by the Alabama Governor; and
WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, the 1967 Six-Day War was a transformative event in the history of Israel and the Jewish people. Through this conflict, the city of Jerusalem was reunified after 19 years of imposed division during which time Biblical holy sites were desecrated and access to them was denied; and
WHEREAS, before 1967 and thereafter, Israel has never ceased struggling to achieve peace with its Arab neighbors. A peace treaty with Egypt was forged in 1979, under which Israel withdrew from the Sinai. Later Jordan and Israel signed a peace treaty in 1994; and
WHEREAS, Israel further unilaterally disengaged from Gaza in 2005, removing all Jewish presence and settlements with the hope of exchanging land for peace and improving the situation on the ground; and
WHEREAS, it is hoped that through direct negotiation Israel and all her Arab neighbors may bring a comprehensive conflict-ending agreement to end issues regarding recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, national boarders, refugees, security, settlements and Jerusalem:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim June 7, 2017, as
50th Anniversary of the Reunification of Jerusalem Day
in the State of Alabama.
Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of June 2017.
Kay Ivey
Governor