S.J.R. 18 Enrolled

1

JOINT RESOLUTION STRENGTHENING UTAH-ISRAEL
2 RELATIONS
3 2012 GENERAL SESSION
4 STATE OF UTAH
5 Chief Sponsor: Curtis S. Bramble
6 House Sponsor: Patrice M. Arent
7
8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This joint resolution of the Legislature urges the Governor to further strengthen the
11 bonds between the nation of Israel and the state of Utah by embarking on a trade
12 mission to the nation of Israel.
13 Highlighted Provisions:
14 This resolution:
15 . recognizes the strong cultural, economic, military, and security bonds that exist
16 between the nation of Israel and the state of Utah; and
17 . urges Governor Herbert to further strengthen the bonds between the nation of Israel
18 and the state of Utah by embarking on a trade mission to Israel to experience
19 first-hand the enhanced opportunities for economic cooperation and job growth
20 resulting from the relationship between Utah and the nation of Israel.
21 Special Clauses:
22 None
23
24 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
25 WHEREAS, from the time that Orson Hyde, an original member of the Quorum of the
26 Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served a mission in
27 Jerusalem from 1841-42, to the present, there has existed a strong bond between the Jewish
28 people and the pioneers who settled Utah;
29 WHEREAS, both Utah and Israel share a love of democracy and human rights, as both

30 were founded in part to serve as a safe haven for those seeking to avoid religious persecution;
31 WHEREAS, the citizens of both Utah and Israel have a strong passion for helping those
32 in need and engage in vigorous efforts to help less fortunate nations and engage in disaster
33 relief efforts in nations such as Haiti;
34 WHEREAS, Utah universities have flourished partially through binational foundation
35 grants with Israel and have received grants totaling more than $3 million through these
36 foundations;
37 WHEREAS, disciplines covered by these grants include agriculture, science, and
38 industrial research;
39 WHEREAS, the Brigham Young University Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies,
40 with its location on Mount Scopus, provides a unique curriculum while also allowing students
41 from Utah the opportunity to explore Israel;
42 WHEREAS, beyond the classroom, the viability of the economic partnership between
43 Utah and Israel is flourishing;
44 WHEREAS, Israel now ranks 24th in Utah exports, with a 29% increase from 2009;
45 WHEREAS, in 2010 alone, Utah exported about $58,717,215 worth of manufactured
46 goods to Israel;
47 WHEREAS, since 1996, total exports to Israel have reached nearly $500 million;
48 WHEREAS, The United States Government-funded military contract with Israel,
49 through the Foreign Military Financing program, provided Utah with $2,423,987 in military
50 contracts in 2010;
51 WHEREAS, this specific security cooperation may also be seen in a Tel Aviv-based
52 and developed digital monitoring system used at the Salt Lake City International Airport in
53 Utah, protecting patrons from crime and terrorism;
54 WHEREAS, Utah law enforcement participates in Israel-based homeland security
55 training to learn about evolving threats and how to face them;
56 WHEREAS, Utah's security abilities have been greatly enhanced by learning from
57 Israel's counter-terrorism experience; and

58 WHEREAS, the economic, cultural, military, and security bonds between Utah and
59 Israel stand firm:
60 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah
61 recognizes the strong cultural and economic bonds that exist between the nation of Israel and
62 the state of Utah.
63 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature urges Governor Herbert to further
64 strengthen the bonds between the nation of Israel and the state of Utah by embarking on a trade
65 mission to Israel to experience first-hand the enhanced opportunities for economic cooperation
66 and job growth resulting from the relationship between the nation of Israel and the state of
67 Utah.
68 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the President of
69 Israel and to the Governor of Utah.