LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending outgoing President Gail Hammerman upon
the occasion of her designation for special honor at the 85th Annual
Journal Dinner Dance of the East Midwood Jewish Center on June 14, 2009

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in the State of New York is
greatly enriched by the faithful and generous service of those who
devote themselves to endeavors of family, faith and community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend individuals of such magnanimous conduct and bearing who demon-
strate a deep and continuing concern for others, and in so doing,
inspire others to do the same; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commend outgoing President Gail Hammerman upon the occasion of her
designation for special honor at the 85th Annual Journal Dinner Dance of
the East Midwood Jewish Center on June 14, 2009; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong Brooklynite, Gail Hammerman has spent her adult
life in service to the citizens of Brooklyn and the Jewish community;
and
WHEREAS, Gail Hammerman has been a member of the East Midwood Jewish
Center for 20 years; serving the synagogue in many ways and in many
capacities over the years, she has just completed four years of
outstanding service as President; previously, she was President of the
Progressive Shaare Zedek Synagogue and was instrumental in its merger
with the East Midwood Jewish Center in 1989; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her devotion to the East Midwood Jewish
Center, Gail Hammerman is a member of the Board of the METNY Region of
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and is the new President of
Hadassah's Brooklyn Region; she was Co-President of the Park Slope Chap-
ter of Hadassah and has served as a member of the Council of Jewish
Organizations of Flatbush's Board of Directors; and in 1991, she volun-
teered in Israel and served with the Israeli Army during the Persian
Gulf War; and
WHEREAS, Gail Hammerman has also been a member of Brooklyn College's
Performing Arts Center Committee and is active as an Advocate for SHARE,
an organization offering survivor-led support to those affected by
breast or ovarian cancer; and
WHEREAS, Gail Hammerman has fittingly been honored by numerous Jewish
and other community organizations; she has been named Woman of the Year
by Israel Bonds, Na-Amat, and Masores Bais Yaakov of Brooklyn; she has
been honored as well by the 70th Precinct Community Council and is an
honorary member of the Shomrim Society and the New York City Police
Department's Honor Legion; and
WHEREAS, Gail Hammerman's professional credentials are equally deserv-
ing of recognition and praise; she earned both Bachelor of Science and
Master of Science degrees from Brooklyn College of The City University
of New York and served as Special Assistant to the Brooklyn Borough
President from 1978 until her retirement in 2001; from 1979 until 2008,
she was also an Adjunct Professor at Long Island University, where she
taught Political Science and, prior to that she taught Health Science at
Brooklyn College; and
WHEREAS, With Gail Hammerman throughout have been her husband of 45
years, David, and their children, Craig and Elizabeth, Robin and Andrew,
Evan and Robin, and their beloved grandchildren, Jared, Jacob, Sara, and
Max, all of whom are proud to be part of her life and rejoice in her
many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the course of her service to the East Midwood
Jewish Center and her community, Gail Hammerman has exhibited uncommon
valor and wisdom; her involvement and leadership have been characterized
by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompro-
mising standard of excellence in all her endeavors; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention
it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend them for the edifica-
tion and emulation of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to extend its highest commen-
dation to Gail Hammerman for her dedication and commitment to her commu-
nity and her heritage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to Gail Hammerman upon the occasion of her designation for
special honor at the 85th Annual Journal Dinner Dance of the East
Midwood Jewish Center on June 14, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Gail Hammerman.