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A JOINT RESOLUTION directing the Governor to establish a sister city/state 1
partnership between the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Shomron Regional Council 2
of Israel. 3
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Kentucky maintains an enduring commitment 4
to uphold the values of faith, family, and community as the cornerstone upon which free 5
and flourishing societies are built; and 6
WHEREAS, the people of Kentucky have demonstrated re silience across 7
generations, preserving their heritage and way of life through adversity and reaffirming 8
their love of the land by remaining rooted in the communities that connect them 9
physically and spiritually to their history; and 10
WHEREAS, the Commonwea lth of Kentucky is a beautiful patchwork of thriving 11
communities, composed of diverse cultures and backgrounds that can peacefully coexist 12
with the shared purpose of building a strong foundation for present and future 13
generations; and 14
WHEREAS, Shomron, kno wn in scripture and throughout history as Samaria, lies 15
in the biblical heartland of Israel – the mountains walked by the patriarchs, prophets, and 16
kings of ancient Israel – and stands as a living testimony to the continuity of the Jewish 17
people upon their ancestral land; and 18
WHEREAS, Kentucky shares a strong historic commitment to their faith that is 19
demonstrated across the state in the naming of towns with direct biblical roots. The city 20
of Lebanon, Kentucky, attributes its name to the cedars of Israel t hat constructed the 21
Jerusalem Temple; Mount Olivet, Kentucky, is named in reference to the Mount of 22
Olives from the book of Zechariah; and shared names from Samaria can be found in the 23
towns of Hebron and Salem, Kentucky; and 24
WHEREAS, the economic vitalit y of the Shomron region is a testament to the 25
enduring spirit of its people, who preserve ancient traditions while cultivating modern 26
enterprise, innovation, agriculture, and industry, thereby transforming historic ground 27
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1049
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into a flourishing center of growth and opportunity; and 1
WHEREAS, the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the 2
Shomron Regional Council of Israel share common ideals in their commitment to liberty, 3
self-governance, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the fostering of economic 4
vitality for the benefit of their citizens; and 5
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Kentucky supports the ability of the people of 6
Shomron to govern themselves in freedom and security upon their historic homeland; and 7
WHEREAS, the members of the General Assembly support the establishment of an 8
agreement between the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Shomron Regional Council 9
to recognize the deep connection between the two lands and encourage the exchange of 10
ideas, commerce, culture, and innovation; 11
NOW, THEREFORE, 12
Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: 13
Section 1. The members of the General Assembly commend the people of the 14
Shomron Regional Council of Israel for their continued resilience and commitment to 15
preserving their unique heritage and history in the face of adversity. 16
Section 2. The Governor is directed to establish a sister city/state partnership by 17
memorandum of understanding with the Shomron Regional Council to formally 18
recognize the mutual contributions and potential exchange between the two regions. 19
Section 3. The Clerk of the House of Representatives is directed to deliver a 20
copy of this Resolution to Governor Andy Beshear, 703 Capital Avenue, Room 133, 21
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. 22