GA Supports our Community
In the 2019 legislative session, the Georgia legislature took significant and unprecedented bipartisan action to show support for Israel and the Jewish community.
Chuck Berk is a local chair of the Republican Jewish Coalition, which co-sponsored one of the Republican debates before the April 18 election.
In the 2019 legislative session, the Georgia legislature took significant and unprecedented bipartisan action to show support for Israel and the Jewish community. Sandy Springs state Rep. Deborah Silcox with co-sponsor Reps. Sharon Cooper, Michele Henson, Chuck Efstration and Mike Wilensky sponsored House Resolution 466: “Commending the State of Israel and condemning anti-Semitism in all its forms.” It is heartwarming to have elected officials from both sides of the aisle who understand, appreciate and support Israel and are sensitive to the growing threat of anti-Semitism. A text of the resolution is printed below.
We should also thank Gov. Brian Kemp. During his campaign for governor he promised that he’d support the state treasurer if he determined that it was smart to own Israel Bonds as a portion of the state’s portfolio. In April, the State of Georgia made a $15 million Israel Bond investment, its largest investment ever, and now has $35 million of Israel Bonds in the state’s portfolio.
Those of you reading this article and all Georgia supporters of Israel should reach out to these elected officials and thank them for their efforts on behalf of Israel and the Jewish community.
House Resolution 466
By: Reps. Silcox of the 52nd, Cooper of the 43rd, Henson of the 86th, Efstration of the 104th, and Wilensky of the 79th
A RESOLUTION
1. Commending the State of Israel and condemning anti-Semitism in all its forms; and for other purposes.
2. WHEREAS, there has been a disturbing increase in anti-Semitism worldwide, nationally, and locally where Jewish populations are facing increased levels of hatred; and
3. WHEREAS, prejudice against Jews as a national, ethnic, religious, or racial group has no place in Georgia or in the United States of America; and
4. WHEREAS, anti-Semitism is a challenge to the basic principles of tolerance, pluralism, and democracy and the shared values that bind Americans together; and
5. WHEREAS, the United States and Israel have a long relationship and close alliance, each attempting to support the interests of the other; and
6. WHEREAS, the State of Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, is the greatest friend and ally of the United States in that region; and
7. WHEREAS, the State of Georgia is proud to be home to the Consulate General of Israel in Atlanta and reaffirms our esteem for the Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States; and
8. WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to ensure the safety and security of Jewish communities, including synagogues, schools, cemeteries, and other institutions; and
9. WHEREAS, it is in the foreign policy interest of the United States to continue to emphasize the importance of combating anti-Semitism in our bilateral and multilateral relations, including with the United Nations, European Union institutions, Arab League, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; and
10. WHEREAS, it is important to the national security interest of the United States to maintain strong bipartisan support for Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, all attempts to delegitimize and deny Israel’s right to exist must be denounced and rejected; and
11. WHEREAS, it is in the national security interest of the United States to oppose restrictive trade practices or boycotts fostered or imposed by any foreign country against other countries friendly to the United States or against any United States person.
12. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body oppose all forms of racism and hatred, including anti-Semitism; oppose attempts to deny the legitimacy of Israel as a sovereign state; commend Israel for its cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the United States and with the State of Georgia; and support Israel in its legal, historical, moral, and God-given right of self-governance and self-defense.
13. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, the Honorable Consul General, and the Georgia congressional delegation.
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