LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the American Association of Jews from
the Former USSR upon the occasion of its 20th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations within the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
American Association of Jews from the Former USSR upon the occasion of
its 20th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, Originally known as the American Association of Russian Jews,
the American Association of Jews from the Former USSR was established in
1989 to represent and advocate the interests of Russian-speaking Jewish
refugees and immigrants from the former Soviet Union residing in the
United States on the local, state and national level; and
WHEREAS, A national grass-roots mutual-assistance, human rights and
refugee advocacy and charity non-profit organization, the American Asso-
ciation of Jews from the Former USSR has helped hundreds of Russian-
speaking Jewish refugees enter into the United States and to reunite
with their relatives, get a job or social entitlements, become American
citizens, register to vote, and understand the government structure and
election system; and
WHEREAS, Highly respected and acknowledged by numerous Jewish and
immigrant organizations, the American Association of Jews from the
Former USSR has several state chapters and is a member of the Jewish
Community Relations Council of New York, as well as a founding member of
the World Congress of Russian-speaking Jewry and the American Forum of
Russian-speaking Jews-Russian American Jews for Israel; and
WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by the American Association of Jews from
the Former USSR over the last 20 years is in direct correlation to the
efforts of the many individuals who have supported its development; and
WHEREAS, Equally commendable are the superbly-skilled staff of the
American Association of Jews from the Former USSR, whose involvement is
and has always been characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbri-
dled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all of
their efforts on behalf of the organization and the population it
serves; 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, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the American Association of Jews from the Former USSR upon the
occasion of its 20th Anniversary, fully confident that it will continue
to enjoy the sparkling success which has so characterized its past; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the American Association of Jews from the Former USSR.