Seventy-six years ago today, on May 11, 1949 (April 14, 1949), the United Nations General Assembly voted to approve Israel's admission to the United Nations. On May 11, 1949, the United Nations General Assembly voted 37 to 12 to approve Israel's admission to the United Nations. Nine countries abstained, including Britain. But before the applause died down, delegations from five Arab countries - Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Yemen - walked out in protest. They sharply condemned Israel for not complying with UN resolutions on the establishment of an international regime in Jerusalem and the repatriation of Arab refugees.