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 have both triumphed in wars of independence in order to establish an enduring free democratic government; and

WHEREAS, The United States and the state of Israel are both nations founded by peoples seeking the cherished rights of liberty, religious freedom, and self-determination; 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; 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 numerous occasions and has remained a true and steadfast friend; and

WHEREAS, It is critical in these dangerous times that the United States give its loyal support, aid, and encouragement so that the people of Israel can achieve and maintain the peace, safety, and security they desire; and

WHEREAS, The Washington state legislature supports the preservation and well-being of the nation of Israel and stands with Israel as it pursues its hope for the health, harmony, and happiness of its citizens;

NOW, THEREFORE, Your Memorialists respectfully pray that the federal government steadfastly stand beside Israel in its noble endeavors to maintain the sovereignty, peace, safety, and security they deserve.

BE IT RESOLVED, That copies of this Memorial be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the Washington State House of Representatives 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, to the President of Israel, Reuven Rivlin, the Speaker of the Knesset, Yuli-Yoel Edelstein, the President of the United States Senate, Joe Biden, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Boehner, and to each member of Congress from the State of Washington.

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