LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Jack and Violet Harounian upon the occa-
sion of their designation for special recognition by the Aleh Foundation

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Jack and
Violet Harounian upon the occasion of their designation for special
recognition by the Aleh Foundation, to be celebrated at its 28th Anni-
versary Awards Dinner Ceremony on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at the Museum
of Jewish Heritage in New York City; and
WHEREAS, Born in Teheran, Iran, in 1928, Jack Harounian had hoped to
attend Teheran University Medical School to help the local Jewish commu-
nity, but was accepted into dental college; because of the outbreak of
World War II and the very difficult day to day economic situation, he
was not able to attend; and
WHEREAS, At age 18 after passing the necessary exams, Mr. Harounian
became the youngest staff member of the Imperial Bank of Iran office in
Teheran; at age 20, he volunteered to attend the War Faculty and became
a Battalion Officer of King Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi; in that posi-
tion, he served for 18 months in "Padeghan Jay" near Mehrabad Airport in
Teheran; and
WHEREAS, Jack Harounian then returned to the bank to a higher position
until Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mosadegh nationalized the banking and
oil industry in Iran; he then got married in 1957 to his lovely bride
Violet Ohebshalom in Tehran and they enjoyed their honeymoon in Israel;
and
WHEREAS, Jack Harounian moved his family to the United States in 1970;
after he started a business importing woolen piece goods, he then shift-
ed to become an exporter of handmade oriental rugs; after three decades
he became one of ten biggest rug exporters in the United States; and
WHEREAS, At age 20, when the State of Israel was established, and
later, at the time of their honeymoon, Jack Harounian began to think how
he could help the people of Israel and Jews around the world; around 25
years ago, he decided to help hospitals and upgrade the quality of
health-care services in Israel; in 1980, he organized and led the effort
in assistance on behalf of Magen David Hospital in Calcutta, India; and
WHEREAS, In 1990, Jack Harounian agreed to become the International
Chairman of Iranian Friends of Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem;
in that position, he began to lead the effort in support of Shaare
Zedek, not just in New York, but across the country and around the
world; in all of these trips he had the warm support and encouragement
of Violet who is deeply proud of her husband's efforts to care for the
sick and disabled in Israel; and
WHEREAS, Since Shaare Zedek, like all Hospitals in Jerusalem, does not
receive any government assistance, the exceptional efforts of Jack
Harounian over so many years have made an enormous difference to the
health and well-being of the patients of Shaare Zedek; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his exceptional activities which have
greatly benefited the health and well-being of the people of Jerusalem,
Jack Harounian was honored at the Iranian Community Solidarity Gala
Dinner Dance in celebration of Jerusalem's birthday in 1996, sponsored
by Shaare Zedek; this event was followed two years later by Mr. Harouni-
an being designated by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert a "Trustee of the City
of Jerusalem" at festivities in Jerusalem celebrating Israel's 50th
birthday; this is a special, rare honor of distinction that is presented

to those individuals outside Israel who have made an exceptional
contribution toward the betterment of the people of Jerusalem; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Harounian is an esteemed honorary board member; he makes
it a priority to participate in all of the Aleh Foundation's events in
New York and in Israel, and spends an enormous amount of time introduc-
ing friends, neighbors and business associates to the vital work of the
Foundation; over the years, he has devoted countless hours of his time,
energy and money to helping Aleh expand its extraordinary facilities
while continuing his wonderful work for Shaare Zedek and many other
worthy causes in Israel; and
WHEREAS, Other than assisting Magen David Adom, Mrs. Violet Harounian
has been very active in many other non-profit organizations in Israel
such as Hadassah and Ort; and
WHEREAS, With them throughout have been their three children and 11
grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of their lives
and rejoice in their achievements; and
WHEREAS, True assets to society, Jack and Violet Harounian's distin-
guished record merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Jack and Violet Harounian upon the occasion of their designation
for special recognition by the Aleh Foundation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jack and Violet Harounian.