LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Al-Kafaat Foundation upon the
occasion of its designation for special recognition by the Antiochian
Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America on May 22, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the commu-
nity and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Al-Kafaat Foundation upon the occasion of its designation for
special recognition by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of
North America at its Gala Dinner to be held on Saturday, May 22, 2010,
at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, New York City, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Al-Kafaat Foundation is a Lebanese development and non-
governmental organization governed by a Board of Trustees and acknowl-
edged by law as an "Institution of Public Welfare"; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1957, the Al-Kafaat Foundation provides rehabili-
tation, medical, educational and employment services to a daily popu-
lation of 4,500 beneficiaries in seven different centers, with a working
team of 830 employees; and
WHEREAS, The Al-Kafaat Foundation is a founding member of the World
Commission on Vocational Rehabilitation (1963), as well as a member of
International Cerebral Palsy (1979), and of Inclusion International
(1981); in recognition of its efforts of in-depth magnitude, it has
received the Rehabilitation International Presidential Award (1954), and
is a three time recipient of the Lebanese Order of Cedars (Knight in
1982, Officer in 1997, and Commander in 2007); and
WHEREAS, Along with the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of
North America, the Al-Kafaat Foundation is building a brand new complex
in the heart of Beirut that will be dedicated to providing special
education and therapies to 250 children with mental challenges; exca-
vations have already started and the project should be completed by
2011; and
WHEREAS, The Al-Kafaat Foundation is a unique organization in Lebanon;
not only does it deliver specialized services to children with chal-
lenges free of charge, but it has no political or religious affil-
iations, and it is for that specific reason, Al-Kafaat has partnered
with Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, as both
organizations firmly believe in serving all those in need, regardless of
their faith and convictions; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Al-Kafaat Foundation is in direct corre-
lation to the efforts of its leaders and staff, whose involvement is,
and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the Foundation 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
commend the Al-Kafaat Foundation upon the occasion of its designation
for special recognition by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese
of North America on May 22, 2010; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Al-Kafaat Foundation.