Senate Resolution No. 2278

BY: Senator CARLUCCI

COMMENDING Josef Gluck upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of exemplary citizens who take prompt and
appropriate action in emergency situations, and in doing so, help others
to avert life-threatening danger; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Josef
Gluck upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty
Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York
State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, On a peaceful and quiet Saturday night in December of 2019,
many people of all ages were gathered at the home of Rabbi Chaim
Rottenberg in Monsey, New York, to celebrate the seventh day of Hanukkah
when a man wearing a scarf over his face suddenly burst into the home
and began to randomly slash revelers with a big machete knife; and

WHEREAS, Fearing for his life, Josef Gluck's first instinct was to
escape, however, he knew he needed to help his friends so he ran to the
front door to assist in any way he could; after realizing the attacker's
rampage was not over, he yelled at the man to divert his attention,
grabbed a coffee table and hit the knife-wielding assailant in the face;
and

WHEREAS, As the attacker turned towards Josef, he screamed "He's
coming!" and warned everyone else to flee; after seriously wounding five
people, the man left and tried to enter a synagogue next to the Rabbi's
house; finding it locked, the assailant then got in his car and sped
off; and

WHEREAS, Fortunately, Josef Gluck had also run outside and had the
foresight to record the assaulter's license plate, and call 911; through
his astute actions, the police tracked down the suspect about an hour
after the attack when a license plate reader captured his car's tag as
it was crossing a bridge into New York City; and

WHEREAS, Josef Gluck was truly courageous that terrible night, but
humbly believes he was simply in the right place at the right time; and

WHEREAS, Praised for his swift actions, Josef Gluck demonstrated his
true character and genuine compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern of
ordinary citizens across the community of the State of New York who
voluntarily respond when others are in need; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Josef Gluck richly merits the
admiration of this Legislative Body and his community for his consummate
courage and heroic actions; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Josef Gluck upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Josef Gluck.