BILL REQ. #:  H-1678.1 

     TO THE HONORABLE BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AND TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES, IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED, AND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE, JOHN KERRY:
     We, your Memorialists, the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Washington, in legislative session assembled, respectfully represent and petition as follows:
     WHEREAS, The United States of America and the State of Israel are both nations founded by peoples seeking the cherished rights of religious freedom and self-determination; and
     WHEREAS, The United States of America and the State of Israel both triumphed in wars of independence to establish enduring democratic governments; and
     WHEREAS, Countless citizens of Washington state and this great nation stand whole-heartedly with the courageous citizens of Israel during these perilous times; and
     WHEREAS, The nation of Israel has the right to exist as a sovereign state with secure and defensible borders; and
     WHEREAS, The people of Israel have the right to pursue their lives in peace without the constant fear of shelling or bomb attacks; and
     WHEREAS, The citizens of Israel have the right to govern themselves as a free society without interference from other countries or institutions; and
     WHEREAS, The United States and Israel share many common values and ideals; and
     WHEREAS, Israel has proven its loyalty to the United States on many occasions and has remained a true and steadfast friend; and
     WHEREAS, It is critical in these dangerous times that this country give its loyal support and aid so that the people of Israel can achieve and maintain the peace, safety, and security they desire and deserve; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State Legislature supports the preservation of the nation of Israel;
     NOW, THEREFORE, Your Memorialists respectfully pray that the federal government stand firmly with Israel in its honorable attempts to defend itself against those who would wish to kill innocent Israeli civilians or eliminate Israel as a nation altogether.
     BE IT RESOLVED, That copies of this Memorial be immediately transmitted to the Honorable Barack Obama, President of the United States, the Secretary of State, John Kerry, the Governor of the State of Washington, Jay Inslee, the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, the President of Israel, Shimon Peres, the Speaker of the Knesset, Reuven Rivlin, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and each member of Congress from the State of Washington.