LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Cele-
brate Israel Parade

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and observe events which foster
ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which
strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to join the
Jewish Community Relations Council of New York in commemorating the 50th
Anniversary of the Celebrate Israel Parade; and
WHEREAS, For 50 years, the Celebrate Israel Parade has provided a
special opportunity to pay tribute to the rich history and culture of
the State of Israel and to affirm the enduring bond between our great
nations; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious Parade features hundreds of thousands of
spectators in addition to tens of thousands of costumed participants
marching up New York City's Fifth Avenue; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York has been enriched by millions of Jewish
men and women since they first arrived in New Amsterdam in 1654; whether
they were born in New York or arrived after fleeing persecution, pogroms
or the horrors of the Holocaust, they have shaped our national character
with their wisdom and heritage; and
WHEREAS, Their unwavering faith, commitment to family and community,
tradition of service to others, and their dedication to learning, the
arts and social justice have made extraordinary contributions to every
sector of our society; and
WHEREAS, Israel and New York State are linked and share many inextri-
cable attributes; Israel may be the 100th smallest country in the world,
but, like New York, its society is extremely diverse, with more than 60
different cultures; and
WHEREAS, It is also the largest immigrant-absorbing nation on earth;
immigrants flock to Israel and to New York in search of democracy, reli-
gious freedom, and greater economic opportunity; and
WHEREAS, The Celebrate Israel Parade offers a great opportunity to
extol this inspiring and unifying narrative; the United States would not
be the country nor would New York be the State it is without the
achievements and profound contributions of Jewish Americans and Israel-
is; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Celebrate Israel Parade; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York.