Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 100 Part 4.djvu/107

 PUBLIC LAW 99-541—OCT. 27, 1986 Public Law 99-541 99th Congress

.-

100 STAT. 3035

.

-Si; -- » nvufi^imhmq Joint Resolution
 * ^ >,;oin

Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the first Prime Minister of the State of Israel, David Ben-Gurion.

Whereas David Ben-Gurion is a man of great historical importance, not only to the Jewish people but also to all people striving for freedom; Whereas his leadership made realizable in-gathering of the exiles that brought millions of homeless Jews scattered throughout the world to Israel where they were united both with each other and with their ancient homeland; Whereas the Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel, a milestone in the life of David Ben-Gurion, echoes the American Declaration of Independence in its recognition of the universal equality of man; Whereas as Israel's first Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Ben-Gurion led the newly formed state through its most difficult period, directing the desperate efforts to secure Israel's survival and independence; Whereas his pragmatic solutions to Israel's overwhelming problems, paralleled with his desire to create a society based on justice and peace, guided the fledging state and formed the values on which Israel rests today and the basis for what Israel strives for in the future; Whereas Ben-Gurion's vision of the Greening of the Desert through the application of science and technology continues to be an important aspect of Israel, as well as a factor that can help solve food production problems in arid regions all over the world; Whereas 1986 marks the hundredth anniversary of the birth of David Ben-Gurion, leader of his people for two generations; and Whereas the United States and Israel share many of the same fundamental values of democracy and freedom, and a common history of accepting immigrants from all over the globe: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That (a) the Congress, in this the centennial of David Ben-Gurion's birth joins in the celebration of this great statesman, urges all Americans to take note of this commemoration, and applauds the David Ben-Gurion Centennial Committee of the United States of America in its work promoting the yearlong national celebration of David Ben-Gurion and his achievements.

Oct. 27, 1986 [S.J. Res. 422]

�