LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the Salute to Israel Parade 2010 to
be held in New York City on Sunday, May 23, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, as a reaffirmation of
its support of the State of Israel and of the bonds the people of the
City and State of New York share with the people of Israel, to celebrate
and commemorate the Salute to Israel Parade 2010, to be held in New York
City on Sunday, May 23, 2010; and
WHEREAS, In 1964, thousands gathered together to walk down Riverside
Drive in a show of support for the young State of Israel; since then,
the Salute to Israel Parade has continued its tradition as the world's
largest gathering in support and celebration of Israel and its people;
and
WHEREAS, Now a project of the Jewish Community Relations Council of
New York, in 2010, the Parade will feature tens of thousands of costumed
marchers representing public and private schools as well as Jewish and
non-Jewish corporations, organizations and institutions; and
WHEREAS, An expected one million enthusiastic spectators will gather
to watch American and Israeli community leaders and dignitaries; celeb-
rities; beautifully decorated floats; street performers, clowns and
jugglers and lively marching bands proceed up Fifth Avenue in Manhattan,
decorated for the day with Israeli flags and decorative banners; and
WHEREAS, For 2010, the Salute to Israel Parade will celebrate Israel's
ongoing heritage with the creative theme "Lights... Camera... Action...
Israel!"; well over 120 groups, comprised of tens of thousands of
participants, will advance up Fifth Avenue with presentations prepared
as movie productions which project the ever-continuing inspirational
stories of Israel; and
WHEREAS, The 2010 parade will be led by Grand Marshal Meshulam Riklis,
an Israeli businessman who spent his formative years in Tel Aviv and,
after nearly five years of service in the British Army during World War
II, emigrated to the United States and earned a bachelor's degree in
mathematics and an M.B.A. from Ohio State University and went on to have
a long and successful career in business and finance; and
WHEREAS, The Salute to Israel Parade has grown over the years until
today it is an extraordinary and joyous opportunity for the people of
the State of New York, and all friends of Israel, to express their pride
and connection to the Israeli spirit and to show their support of, and
solidarity with, the people of Israel; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Salute to Israel Parade 2010 to be held in New York City
on Sunday, May 23, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Salute to Israel Parade organizer, the Jewish Community
Relations Council of New York.