LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Mikhail Shamis as he is honored by the
Council of Jewish Emigre Community Organizations at its Annual "Building
the Future" Reception on May 27, 2009

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in the Empire State are
greatly enriched by the faithful and generous service of those who
distinguish themselves in their profession and in service to their
faith, heritage and community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend individuals of such magnanimous conduct and bearing who demon-
strate a deep and continuing concern for others, and in so doing,
inspire others to do the same; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commend Mikhail Shamis as he is honored by COJECO, the Council of Jewish
Emigre Community Organizations, at its Annual "Building the Future"
Reception, to be held at the Museum of Jewish Heritage on Wednesday, May
27, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 2001, COJECO is a central coordinating body which
works with its member organizations and community leaders to facilitate
and accelerate the integration of Russian-speaking Jews into American
Jewish life and mainstream American society, care for those in need,
strengthen bonds among Jewish people, and foster Jewish identity and
renewal; and
WHEREAS, Originally comprised of 26 small, pioneering organizations,
today COJECO not only continues to support its now 43 member organiza-
tions, it also represents and advocates on behalf of the Russian-speak-
ing Jewish community and its needs; and
WHEREAS, In addition, COJECO serves as a bridge between the Russian
Jewish community and the American Jewish community in many ways, includ-
ing by providing informal Jewish education, leadership training, assist-
ance to American Jewish organizations in developing culturally sensitive
and appropriate programs for Russian-speaking Jews, and help and support
to its member organizations in such areas as program development, tech-
nical assistance, and the preparation of grant proposals; and
WHEREAS, Each year at its Annual "Building the Future" Reception,
COJECO proudly honors those who have helped to further and support its
worthy endeavors; Mikhail Shamis truly merits the recognition and appre-
ciation of COJECO and the Russian American Jewish community for his
enduring contributions to the global Russian-speaking Jewish community;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend them for the
edification and emulation of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Mikhail Shamis upon the occasion of his being honored by COJECO,
the Council of Jewish Emigre Community Organizations, at its Annual
"Building the Future" Reception on May 27, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mikhail Shamis.