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Resolution
City Hall
3500 Pan American
Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
File Number: 14-00895 Final Action Date:
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR
THE STATE AND PEOPLE OF ISRAEL; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO
TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION, THE UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF STATE,
THE UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO ISRAEL AND TO PRESIDENT BARACK
OBAMA.
WHEREAS, Israel remains a force for freedom and democracy in the Middle East; and
WHEREAS, since the country's establishment, the Israeli people have built one of the world's most
dynamic, cultural, economic, agricultural, and intellectual societies, while confronting constant
terrorism, the immense pressures of imminent war, constant missile barrages, economic boycotts, and
ostracism from much of the international community; and
WHEREAS, the City of Miami ("City") continues to foster a strong relationship with Israel, and is
home to one of the largest Jewish populations outside of Israel; and
WHEREAS, the City is a Sister City to the cities of Beersheba and Ramat HaSharon in Israel, and
stands in solidarity with the residents of these cities; and
WHEREAS, Israel is a steadfast ally of the United States and the American people; and
WHEREAS, innocent civilians in Israel are indiscriminately targeted by rocket attacks that have
killed and injured hundreds of Israelis and dozens of Americans; and
WHEREAS, since Israel's withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, thousands of rockets have been fired into
Israel, and since June 2014, approximately 3,000 rockets have been fired into Israel; and
WHEREAS, Hamas has controlled Gaza from 2007 to 2014, during which time millions of Israelis
have lived under the constant threat of rocket attacks from Gaza; and
WHEREAS, Israel has taken actions that are its right and responsibility to protect itself from these
attacks upon its citizens, and has also made unprecedented efforts to avoid harm to innocent civilians;
and
WHEREAS, the United States Secretary of State designated Hamas as a foreign terrorist
organization in 1997; and
WHEREAS, in spite of these adversities, Israel has established a strong democratic political
system that guarantees its people freedom of religion and speech, freedom of the press, fair and open
elections, and respect for the rule of law for Jews and Arabs alike; and
WHEREAS, the City shares democratic values, common strategic interests, and bonds of
City of Miami Page 1 of 2 File Id: 14-00895 (Version: 11 Printed On: 9/2/2014
File Number: 14-00895
friendship and mutual respect with Israel, which is our friend and ally in the Middle East;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Resolution are adopted by
reference and incorporated as fully set forth in this Section.
Section 2. The Miami City Commission declares that it stands with Israel, and supports Israel's
right to defend and protect its citizens from the forces of tyranny and oppression, to ensure the survival
of the State of Israel.
Section 3. The Miami City Commission vehemently condemns the rocket attacks aimed at Israel
and calls on Hamas to immediately stop launching rocket and other attacks against Israel.
Section 4. The Miami City Commission expresses its strong support and steadfast commitment to
the security, welfare, and survival of the sovereign State of Israel, and recognizes its right to secure its
borders and to act in self-defense to protect its citizens from acts of terrorism.
Section 4. The City Clerk is directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to all members of the
Florida Congressional Delegation, the United States Secretary of State, the United States Ambassador
to Israel, and to President Barack Obama.
Section 5. T1-I's Rbsolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and signature of
the Mayor.
APPROVED AS 7VAST AND CORRECTNESS:
VICTORIA MENDE
CITY ATTORNEY
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{1} If the Mayor does not sign this Resolution, it shall become effective at the end of ten (10)
calendar days from the date it was passed and adopted. If the Mayor vetoes this Resolution, it
shall become effective immediately upon override of the veto by the City.
City of Miami Page 2 of 2 File Id: 14-00895 (Version: 1) Printed On: 9/2/2014