LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Rabbi Marc Schneier upon the occasion
of his designation as recipient of the 2014 Friendship Award by the
Turkish Cultural Center Queens

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the causes of peace and understanding, building
bridges between cultures for the benefit of us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Rabbi Marc Schneier upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2014 Friendship Award by the Turkish Cultural Center Queens, which
was celebrated at its 11th Annual Friendship Dinner and Awards Ceremony
on Thursday, April 10, 2014, in Flushing Town Hall, Queens, New York;
and
WHEREAS, The Turkish Cultural Center Queens (TCCQ) is the premier
source of information for the people of Queens County about the rich
history, culture and heritage of Turkey; this non-profit organization is
committed to community involvement and actively encourages international
cultural exchanges via special events and projects such as business
meetings, multicultural discussion forums and international trips to
Turkey; and
WHEREAS, The TCCQ's 11th Annual Friendship Dinner and Awards Ceremony
celebrates diversity, peace and harmony among cultures, promoting the
appreciation and enjoyment of the entire colorful spectrum of its commu-
nity; the theme for this year's event is "Freedom of Speech and Respect
for the Sacred"; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Marc Schneier is an internationally renowned figure,
respected for his innovative leadership in the promotion of dialogues
and cooperation in intergroup and race relations; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in New York City, Rabbi Marc Schneier is a
graduate of Yeshiva University and is the 18th generation of a distin-
guished rabbinic dynasty; he is the founding rabbi of the Hampton Syna-
gogue in Westhampton Beach, New York, and the New York Synagogue in
Manhattan; and
WHEREAS, A prominent leader in the Jewish community, Rabbi Marc
Schneier has been in the forefront of combating anti-Semitism and Islam-
ophobia in Jewish and Muslim communities around the world; furthermore,
he is the founder and President of the Foundation for Ethnic Understand-
ing (FFEU); and
WHEREAS, This esteemed man has written many notable books including
SHARED DREAMS: MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AND THE JEWISH COMMUNITY, and
SONS OF ABRAHAM: A CANDID CONVERSATION ABOUT THE ISSUES THAT DIVIDE AND
UNITE JEWS AND MUSLIMS which he co-authored with Imam Shamsi Ali;
published in 2013, this inspirational work features a foreword by former
President Bill Clinton; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Rabbi Marc Schneier upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the 2014 Friendship Award by the Turkish Cultural Center
Queens; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rabbi Marc Schneier.