WHEREAS, in May, 1948, the young State of Israel had a tiny population of 800,000 residents, and today has grown more than twelve times larger, representing a culturally diverse population and a unique social mosaic; and

WHEREAS, Israel has developed a strong, innovative, entrepreneurial economy, is at the forefront of scientific research and development, has vibrant academic institutions and stands at the forefront of the global arena; and

WHEREAS, The United States, Israel's strongest ally, has played a critical role in the development of the modern State of Israel and has been committed to helping the people of Israel secure their own peace; and

WHEREAS, the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between Israel and Maine for the past seventy-five years have enriched the cultural diversity of our state;

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby recognize April 26, 2023 as the

75th Anniversary of the Modern State of Israel

and we extend our best wishes to the State of Israel and its people for a peaceful and prosperous future.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this twelfth day of April Two Thousand Twenty-Three