Speaker Mark-Viverito:

“Just minutes after David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel 66 years ago, President Harry S. Truman issued our country’s formal recognition of the new nation and since that day the relationship between the United States and the State of Israel has only grown stronger.

Yesterday, Israelis honored those they have lost during Yom Ha’zikaron, Memorial Day and today, as Israelis celebrate their 66th Independence Day, I extend my best wishes to the people of Israel and New York’s Jewish community. Happy Yom Ha’atzmaut!”

Jewish Caucus Chair Mark Levine:

“Sixty six years ago, the United States became the first country to recognize Israel. Since then, the special bond of trust shared between our two countries continues to grow stronger every day. As we continue to better our city, Israel remains a steadfast ally in economic, high-tech and cultural sectors.

As Chairman of the Jewish Caucus, I am eager to partake in Israel’s 66th Independence Day celebration and congratulate them on a remarkable history of accomplishments over the past six decades. It is with a deep sense of appreciation that I extend the warmest wishes of the Jewish Caucus to the Israeli community of New York City and Israelis all over the world.

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