LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending RAJE, the Russian American Jewish
Experience, upon the occasion of its Third Annual Dinner on March 2,
2011, and honoring Erik and Rimma Yankelovich, recipients of the Build-
ers of the Future Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend organizations and individuals of high purpose and worthy accom-
plishment whose endeavors have a significant impact on the lives of
others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
RAJE (Russian American Jewish Experience), the Russian Division of Gate-
ways, upon the occasion of its Third Annual Dinner, to be held at
Bridgewaters on Fulton Street in New York City on Wednesday, March 2,
2011, and to honor Erik and Rimma Yankelovich, recipients of the Build-
ers of the Future Award; and
WHEREAS, Since 1998, the Gateways Organization has dedicated itself to
education in values and ethical living, and to reconnecting people with
their Jewish heritage; and
WHEREAS, Nearly a million Jews from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) have
made their home in America, including thousands upon thousands in New
York City and New York State, and given the opportunities of our great
nation, many have flourished; and
WHEREAS, Yet the seeds of spiritual and communal destruction implanted
by the Soviet regime helped create a crisis of Jewish and communal iden-
tity which, if left unabated, could jeopardize the survival of this
important Russian American community; and
WHEREAS, To address this monumental challenge, RAJE, a comprehensive
educational umbrella organization, whose goal is to spark Jewish life
and ensure Jewish continuity for the next generation of Russian American
Jews, was created to train and inspire a new generation of community
leaders; and
WHEREAS, Erik and Rimma Yankelovich, who exemplify and support this
worthy goal, will be honored with the Builders of the Future Award at
the dinner; and
WHEREAS, Erik and Rimma Yankelovich immigrated to the United States
with their families in 1990 from Ukraine; Rimma's parents, who are from
Odessa, and Erik's, who are from the Carpathian area of Ukraine which
was devastated by the Holocaust, were fortunate to survive World War II,
the Holocaust and the communist regime but not without losing loved
ones; and
WHEREAS, Rimma Yankelovich attended Edward R. Murrow High School and
went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from
Brooklyn College; she has been working for Citigroup as a banker since
2006; and
WHEREAS, Erik Yankelovich graduated from Sinai Academy High School and
the State University of New York at Stony Brook where he too earned a
Bachelor of Science degree in computer science; he has been a Commercial
Real Estate Broker with GFI Capital for almost 10 years, specializing in
Apartment Building Sales in New York City's five boroughs; and
WHEREAS, Erik and Rimma Yankelovich were married in August 2009 and
are happily awaiting the birth of their first child; and
WHEREAS, Erik and Rimma Yankelovich got involved with RAJE after
taking a random group trip to Argentina in 2007; after the trip, they
became friendly with some of the staff, started attending classes and
Shabbat services and got involved in community programs; and

WHEREAS, Their bond with RAJE is a natural one, as they both feel the
need to rebuild what had been for years wiped out and kept away from
their community's ancestors; and
WHEREAS, Erik and Rimma Yankelovich are spearheading the Jewish
Enrichment for Parents and Children Program, a joint venture between
RAJE and Mazel Day School which, on Sunday mornings, gives parents and
children ages 3-10, exposure to Judaism and its customs in a fun, inter-
active and entertaining way; and
WHEREAS, Erik and Rimma Yankelovich are also active members of The
Shteible in Manhattan Beach where they have found a home and become
involved with the synagogue's outreach to the Russian Jewish community
as well; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Erik and Rimma
Yankelovich and to commend RAJE for its purposeful endeavors and commit-
ment to the preservation and enhancement of the rich religious, ethnic,
and cultural heritage of the Russian American Jewish community which has
become such a valued and integral part of the community of the City and
State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend RAJE upon the occasion of its Third Annual Dinner on March 2,
2011, and to honor Erik and Rimma Yankelovich, recipients of the Build-
ers of the Future Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to RAJE and to Erik and Rimma Yankelovich.