LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Ameri-
can Association of Jews from Former USSR, Inc. on February 22, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those organizations of true purpose and worthy accom-
plishment which foster a spirit of community and service and, simultane-
ously, work diligently to preserve their rich cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 20th Anniversary of the American Association of Jews from
Former USSR, Inc. on February 22, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The American Association of Jews from the Former USSR, Inc.
(AAJFSU), established in October of 1989, is a national grass-roots
mutual-assistance, human rights and refugee advocacy organization; and
WHEREAS, For the past 20 years, the AAJFSU has represented and advo-
cated for the interests of Russian-speaking Jewish refugees and legal
immigrants from the former Soviet Union, residing in the United States,
on matters of interest on the city, state and federal levels; and
WHEREAS, There are approximately 800 thousand Russian-speaking Jews
from the former USSR residing in the United States, including about 400
thousand in the Metropolitan New York area; and
WHEREAS, The AAJFSU has several New York State Chapters and is highly
respected and acknowledged by numerous Jewish and immigrant organiza-
tions; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished history, the AAJFSU has assisted
thousands of Russian Jews leave the former Soviet Union, enter the
United States and reunite with their families; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the AAJFSU has aided Russian Jews in the often
daunting processes of receiving political asylum, becoming United States
citizens, registering to vote, finding employment and becoming active
members of American society; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, the AAJFSU has helped strengthen Jewish identity
by providing Russian immigrants with the opportunity to study Jewish
history, culture and traditions; it has also encouraged participation in
various activities of local Jewish communities, and has kept the memory
alive of the Holocaust and the heroic movement "Let My People Go"; and
WHEREAS, Today, under the able leadership of Inna Arolovich, the
AAJFSU remains dedicated to advocacy and integration but has also
committed itself to actively participate in all actions in support of
Israel and all Israeli victims of terrorist acts; and
WHEREAS, The success of the AAJFSU is in direct correlation to the
efforts of its volunteers, whose involvement is, and always has been,
characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and
an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of
the organization and the population it serves; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, the AAJFSU has served as a bridge to
Jewish heritage, to integration into American society, and to social
responsibility; it has aided thousands of Russian Jews, significantly
enhancing the quality of their lives, and prepares to continue to do so
as it rededicates itself to its distinguished purpose on the auspicious
occasion of its 20th Anniversary; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the American Association of Jews
from Former USSR, Inc. on February 22, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Inna Arolovich, President, American Association of Jews from
Former USSR, Inc.