LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Charles and Elaine Petschek upon the
occasion of their designation for special recognition by the American
Jewish Committee of Westchester at its 4th Annual Israel...New Perspec-
tives Gala on June 10, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend organizations and individuals who exemplify and contribute to
the ethical and spiritual values of the people of New York State and
this nation and to the advancement of human rights around the world; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Charles and Elaine Petschek upon the occasion of their designation for
special recognition by the American Jewish Committee of Westchester at
its Israel... New Perspectives Gala on June 10, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The American Jewish Committee (AJC) was established in 1906
by a small group of American Jews deeply concerned about pogroms aimed
at Russian Jews in the belief that the best way to protect Jewish popu-
lations in danger would be to work toward a world in which all people
are accorded respect and dignity; and
WHEREAS, Over 100 years later, AJC, an international think tank and
advocacy organization which attempts to identify trends and problems
early and take action, continues its efforts to promote pluralistic and
democratic societies where all minorities are protected; and
WHEREAS, In keeping with AJC's mission and national agenda, AJC West-
chester works diligently to create a secure Jewish future in a more just
world, believing that each such pursuit depends upon the other; and
WHEREAS, AJC Westchester launched its Israel...New Perspectives
program, designed to engage the Jewish and secular communities in events
and programs which emphasize Israel's remarkable creativity, particular-
ly in the high tech, artistic and health care fields, in May 2007; and
WHEREAS, On Thursday, June 10, 2010, AJC Westchester proudly held its
Israel...New Perspectives Gala, Israel...A Light Unto the Nations, at
the Rye Town Hilton Hotel, Rye, New York, commemorating more than 50
years of Israel's humanitarian relief around the world and honoring the
leadership of Charles and Elaine Petschek for their many contributions
to AJC, which span more than 50 years; and
WHEREAS, Exemplary individuals, Charles and Elaine Petschek have
continually demonstrated competence, intelligence and leadership in
their unwavering service to AJC and their faith and have consequently,
and fittingly, been selected for this high honor; and
WHEREAS, Charles I. Petschek, an investment banker, attended Cambridge
University, Stevens Institute, from which he subsequently received an
honorary doctoral degree, and Harvard Business School; and
WHEREAS, An Honorary Vice President of AJC; Charles Petschek also
served as Chairman of the Investment Committee and as a Member of the
Board of the William Petschek National Jewish Family Center for many
years; in addition, he serves, or has previously served, on the boards
of UJA-Federation, the Weizmann Institute of Science, the Israel Phil-
harmonic, New York Philharmonic, New York City Opera, Montefiore Medical
Center, the Foreign Policy Association and the Terezin Memorial Museum;
and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Smith College, Elaine Petschek, is an Honorary
Vice President of AJC, an Honorary Chair of its Women's Campaign, and
serves on its National Board of Governors; she has, in addition, served
AJC as a Vice President, Assistant Treasurer, member of the Board of the
William Petschek National Jewish Family Center, and member of the

Contemporary Jewish Affairs Commission, the Jacob Blaustein Institute
and the Academy for Jewish Studies Without Walls; and
WHEREAS, She has also served on the Boards of UJA-Federation of New
York, Montefiore Medical Center, Young Audiences, and currently serves
on the Board of the Collegiate Chorale of New York and the Board of
Trustees of AJC; and
WHEREAS, Elaine and Charles Petschek have been married for more than
61 years; they have four married children and eight grandchildren, all
of whom are proud to be part of their lives and rejoice in their many
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Charles and Elaine Petschek not only share an enduring
commitment to AJC and their faith and community, they inspire a sense of
communal responsibility, spirit and excellence in others as well; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Charles and Elaine Petschek upon the occasion of their desig-
nation for special recognition by the American Jewish Committee of West-
chester at its Israel... New Perspectives Gala on June 10, 2010; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Charles and Elaine Petschek.