LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Harriet P. Schleifer upon the occasion
of her designation for special recognition by the American Jewish
Committee of Westchester at its 5th Annual Israel...New Perspectives
Gala on June 1, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend organizations and individuals who exemplify and contribute to
the ethical and spiritual values of the people of New York State and
this nation and to the advancement of human rights around the world; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Harriet P. Schleifer upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the American Jewish Committee of Westchester at its Isra-
el... New Perspectives Gala on June 1, 2011; and
WHEREAS, The American Jewish Committee (AJC) was established in 1906
by a small group of American Jews deeply concerned about pogroms aimed
at Russian Jews in the belief that the best way to protect Jewish popu-
lations in danger would be to work toward a world in which all people
are accorded respect and dignity; and
WHEREAS, Over 100 years later, AJC, an international think tank and
advocacy organization which attempts to identify trends and problems
early and take action, continues its efforts to promote pluralistic and
democratic societies where all minorities are protected; and
WHEREAS, In keeping with AJC's mission and national agenda, AJC West-
chester works diligently to create a secure Jewish future in a more just
world, believing that each such pursuit depends upon the other; and
WHEREAS, AJC Westchester launched its Israel...New Perspectives
program, designed to engage the Jewish and secular communities in events
and programs which emphasize Israel's remarkable creativity, particular-
ly in the high tech, artistic and healthcare fields, in May 2007; and
WHEREAS, On Thursday, June 1, 2011, AJC Westchester is proudly holding
its 5th Annual Israel...New Perspectives Gala, Israel...A Light Unto the
Nations, at the Westchester Marriott Hotel, Harriman, New York, honoring
Harriet P. Schleifer for her leadership of AJC and her service to her
faith and to her community; and
WHEREAS, An attorney and an involved and valued member of her communi-
ty, Harriet Schleifer earned her undergraduate degree from Cornell
University, two graduate degrees in education from the University of
Virginia, and her law degree from St. John's University; and
WHEREAS, A child of Holocaust survivors, Harriet Schleifer's commit-
ment to the well-being of the Jewish people and Yiddishkeit is reflected
in all she does; and
WHEREAS, Harriet Schleifer is passionate about AJC's mission of ensur-
ing the security of Jews in a more just world and has held many leader-
ship roles in the organization; she is a Past President of AJC Westches-
ter; she sits on the Executive Committee and is the Development Chair
for the Region; and
WHEREAS, Harriet Schleifer is also a member of AJC's National Board of
Governors and represents AJC on the Board of the Conference on Jewish
Material Claims Against Germany; and
WHEREAS, Through her leadership role with AJC, Harriet Schleifer
became involved with the Westchester Jewish Council, where she is now a
Vice President; she also serves as a member of the Executive Committee
of UJA Federation and as a member of its Business and Professional Divi-
sion Board; and
WHEREAS, She is, additionally, an officer of Bet Torah Synagogue and
First Vice President of the Rosenthal Jewish Community Center; and

WHEREAS, As an attorney, Harriet Schleifer has dedicated herself to
advocating for the educational rights of general and special education
students; she is Vice President of the Family Support Services Council
of the Westchester Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) and
has held various offices in the Chappaqua Central School District PTA;
and
WHEREAS, Harriet Schleifer serves as well on the Board of Chapel
Haven, Inc., a school for students with disabilities in New Haven,
Connecticut, and on its Executive Committee; and
WHEREAS, With Harriet Schleifer throughout have been her husband Len
and their sons, Adam and David, all of whom are proud to be part of her
life and rejoice in her many accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Harriet Schleifer not only shows an enduring commitment to
AJC and her profession, faith and community, she inspires a sense of
communal responsibility, spirit and excellence in others as well; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Harriet P. Schleifer upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by the American Jewish Committee of Westchester at
its Israel... New Perspectives Gala on June 1, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Harriet P. Schleifer.