Senate Resolution No. 2102

BY: Senator MAY

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of InterFaith
Works of Central New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those exemplary organizations whose purposeful service
strengthens the civic, spiritual, and humanitarian fabric of the
communities of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of InterFaith Works of Central New
York, headquartered in the City of Syracuse; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1976 as the Syracuse Area Interreligious Council
by a dedicated coalition of faith and civil rights leaders, InterFaith
Works began with a clear and urgent calling: to build bridges of
understanding among people of different religions and across racial
divides; and

WHEREAS, From its first headquarters at Temple Concord on Madison
Street in Syracuse, under the early leadership of Rabbi Theodore Levy
and Helen Jenks, InterFaith Works has grown from a courageous
interreligious undertaking into one of Central New York's most trusted
instruments of welcome, reconciliation, and human care; and

WHEREAS, For five decades, InterFaith Works has affirmed the dignity
of each person and every faith tradition, built racial and religious
equity, and created bridges of understanding among neighbors whose
lives, languages, customs, histories, and beliefs enrich the shared life
of Syracuse and Central New York; and

WHEREAS, The work of InterFaith Works has evolved with the changing
needs of the region while remaining steadfast in its core conviction
that difference is not a threat but a source of strength, wisdom, and
community; and

WHEREAS, Through its Center for New Americans, InterFaith Works has
welcomed refugees, asylees, immigrants, and New American families
fleeing war, persecution, famine, political repression, and profound
loss, helping them begin again with safety, stability, friendship, and
hope; and

WHEREAS, The Center for New Americans provides essential services,
including refugee resettlement, English language classes, employment
preparation, immigration assistance, medical case management, mental
health services, cultural orientation, referrals, and community
navigation, thereby helping families not only arrive but belong; and

WHEREAS, Through its Ahmad and Elizabeth El-Hindi Center for
Dialogue & Action, InterFaith Works advances racial and social equity
through dialogue, education, relationship building, and action, helping
Central New Yorkers face difficult truths, heal painful divisions, and
find common ground; and


WHEREAS, Through its Center for Healthy Aging and related programs
of companionship, support, and care, InterFaith Works has served older
adults, caregivers, elder refugees, isolated neighbors, and those
seeking connection, dignity, and community across the later seasons of
life; and

WHEREAS, InterFaith Works has also fostered chaplaincy and spiritual
care, interfaith dialogue, food justice, community-police conversations,
anti-racism initiatives, leadership development, and partnerships among
houses of worship, civic institutions, volunteers, employers, schools,
service providers, and neighbors; and

WHEREAS, The Round Table of Faith Leaders, representing many faith
traditions, stands as a living expression of the organization's founding
vision: that religious and moral communities can join across difference
to speak with compassion, respond to suffering, and serve the common
good; and

WHEREAS, In 2026, as InterFaith Works marks 50 years of service,
Syracuse and Central New York celebrate not merely an anniversary but a
legacy of people welcomed, families stabilized, elders accompanied,
workers employed, faith communities connected, conversations begun,
wounds tended, and hope restored; and

WHEREAS, InterFaith Works' 50-year history reminds us that the
strength of a community is measured by not only its institutions but
also its willingness to make room at the table, to listen across
difference, to protect the vulnerable, and to recognize the sacred
dignity of every human being; and

WHEREAS, The enduring success of InterFaith Works is due to the
vision of its founders, the dedication of its board members and staff,
the wisdom of its faith leaders, the generosity of its volunteers and
donors, and the courage and resilience of the individuals and families
it has served; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper that this Legislative Body honor
InterFaith Works of Central New York for 50 years of compassionate
service, bridge building, interfaith leadership, racial and religious
equity work, and steadfast commitment to the people of Syracuse and
Central New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of InterFaith Works of Central New York
and to commend all those associated with this vital organization for
their extraordinary contributions to the dignity, unity, and well-being
of the people of this great Empire State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to InterFaith Works of Central New York.