Senate Resolution No. 960

BY: Senator MARTINS

HONORING Farahnaz Rahimzada for special
recognition for 20 years of dedication and
commitment to the Ahavat Shalom Synagogue

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
individuals who have distinguished themselves through their exemplary
accomplishments and purposeful lives of service to their communities;
and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Farahnaz Rahimzada for special recognition for 20 years of dedication
and commitment to the Ahavat Shalom Synagogue in Great Neck, New York,
to be celebrated on Wednesday, May 14, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Within every community, there are inevitably some
individuals who, by virtue of their energy, vision, and dedication,
command the greatest respect among their friends, colleagues, and
community; Farahnaz Rahimzada is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, Born in Tehran, Iran, to a traditional family, Farahnaz
Rahimzada is the youngest of three children; at the age of 18, she and
her family left everything behind in the wake of the Iranian Revolution
and moved to Israel where she pursued a degree in computer science at
Tel Aviv University; and

WHEREAS, Farahnaz Rahimzada later moved to the United States, where
she married Daniel Rahimzada, and together they built a warm, loving
home; they raised five children, Jonathan, Nathaniel, Ariel, Aviv, and
Maytal, with their values of kindness, strength, and dedication; and

WHEREAS, While devoted to her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother,
daughter, and sister, Farahnaz Rahimzada has always been deeply
committed to community service and serving others with quiet
determination; and

WHEREAS, In the early 2000s, seeing a need in her community,
Farahnaz Rahimzada founded the Senior Program at Ahavat Shalom
Synagogue; for some time, she personally drove more than 20 elderly
women to and from the program each Wednesday morning; years later, she
succeeded in arranging formal transportation through a local bus
service; and

WHEREAS, To this day, Farahnaz Rahimzada continues to organize and
lead every detail of the Ahavat Shalom Senior Program, including meals,
music, holiday events, exercise sessions, raffles, games, and personal
gifts; remarkably, she rarely misses a week; when she absolutely must,
she personally arranges for someone in her stead so the women are never
without support or connection; and

WHEREAS, For the past 16 years, Farahnaz Rahimzada has also led a
remarkable initiative in which the senior participants knit winter

clothing for orphaned children, bringing purpose and connection to both
givers and recipients; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her work with the seniors, Farahnaz
Rahimzada regularly delivers food and essentials to low-income families
and elderly individuals throughout the community; her dedication and
selflessness are reflected in the thoughtful way she supports others and
deeply felt by all who know her; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend
individuals of outstanding character, who have shown initiative and
commitment to leadership, to be emulated by the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Farahnaz Rahimzada for special recognition for 20 years of
dedication and commitment to the Ahavat Shalom Synagogue; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Farahnaz Rahimzada.