NEW YORK – Two Jewish lawmakers on Thursday announced a resolution to be adopted by New York State’s Legislature celebrating Israel’s 68th Independence Day.

The resolution, introduced by Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Queens) and State Senator Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach), congratulates the State of Israel on the 68th anniversary of its independence and recognizes advancements made in the face of conflict and oppression. It also reaffirms “the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the State of New York and Israel.”

“As the first Israeli-born member elected to the State Legislature it is an honor to celebrate this occasion,” Rozic said in a statement. “In addition to commemorating Israel’s 68 years of statehood, we are also celebrating the shared interests and trusted relationship between the people of New York and the people of Israel that grows stronger each year.”

“Fostering a strong alliance between our state, Israel and its people is integral to ensuring freedom, prosperity, and independence for the future,” added Kaminsky.

Last year, the New York Assembly passed a resolution condemning the BDS movement and reaffirming Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish, democratic state. Most recently,  the State Senate passed a bipartisan bill that prohibits the state from doing business with companies that support BDS movement by expanding existing state law to prevent New York from entering into a state contract or investment with those seeking to harm economically U.S. allies. The legislation, sponsored by Senators Jack Martins, a Republican from Long Island, and Simcha Felder, a Democrat from Brooklyn, who caucuses with the Republican majority, was supported by 55 of the 63 members of the State Senate.

Both Rozic and Kaminsky have also sponsored a bill that would keep in place New York State’s existing sanctions against businesses supporting Iranian nuclear and energy sectors.