Alabama-Israel: A Long History and a Natural Relationship
The History - Calling For and Standing With
The state of Alabama has a long history of strong support for the state of Israel. In 1943, Alabama led the nation as the first, and possibly only, state in America to officially call for the establishment of the Jewish state and homeland. The unanimous joint resolution passed both state houses
five years before Israel was reborn as a nation, urging both the United States and the United Nations to action. This call came in the midst of World War II, when the axis powers were not only waging world war against America and Europe, but also seeking the mass murder and systematic extermination of the Jews of Europe. In the 70 years since that initial resolution, the state of Alabama has repeatedly sought to stand with Israel in times of aggression including official and public response - a unanimous joint resolution in 2002 urging support for the state of Israel after terror attacks, a proclamation from the governor in 2006 to stand with Israel, statements of support from Alabama state and congressional leaders in 2012, among other. In addition, state-to-state cooperation including sister cities, a cooperative trade agreement (1997), and a special 33rd anniversary celebration of the rebirth of the state of Israel hosted at the Alabama Governor's mansion in 1981 are but a glimpse of a deep commitment shared among the people of Alabama for the state of Israel and her people. The Relationship - Shared Values, Shared Experience
Beyond the many national shared values being the only democratic ally of the U.S. in the Middle East, Alabama and Israel also share a commitment to deeply-held common values from the history of each shaped greatly through the influence of Biblical faith. From an embraced responsibility that we are our brother's keeper - particularly in times of need or hostility - to a belief that our neighbor is the one within our reach to help, there is a profound connection and natural bond. The same brings a sense of perceived calling to be quick to react, to defend, to protect, and to help. From a devotion to sincere hospitality, to nature's fruitful harvest, the state of Israel and the American South share much to be celebrated and grateful for. Alabama and Israel also share the painful experience of broad and sudden destruction requiring urgent response to critical need following tragic acts or catastrophic events. Israel has endured violent acts of terror targeting innocent people, missile attacks on the civilian population, wars and conflicts erupting as acts of aggression follow repeated calls for her destruction and annihilation. Alabama has known the anguish of massive hurricanes devastating coastal lands displacing multitudes of people, and deadly tornados sweeping the state with tragic consequence. Both know the urgent need and required responsibility in such difficult times. The Alabama-Israel Task Force (AITF) - Remembering Our Past, Shaping Our Future
The Vision - Bridges and Brotherhood
Identity - With our unique and special history, our deeply shared values, and such difficult shared experience, a growing coalition of leaders and organizations in Alabama and the Israel Leadership Institute (ILI), have reached out to one another to join arms and form a special Alabama-Israel Task Force (AITF). Mission - The Alabama-Israel Task Force (AITF) seeks to provide a bridge and catalyst for broader cooperative efforts and help cultivate an even stronger and expanding state-to-state relationship between Alabama and Israel for the mutual benefit of their people. Strategy - The AITF promotes and initiates state-to-state cooperation in areas of mutual interest including:
* Leadership Development
* Economic Opportunity
* Cultural Understanding and Community Partnership
* Student Exchange and Academic Cooperation
* Strategic Forums for Next Generation Leaders
* Joint initiatives Inspired from Biblical Faith
