LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Imam Shamsi Ali 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
Imam Shamsi Ali 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 held
on Thursday, April 10, 2014, in Flushing Town Hall, Queens, New York;
and
WHEREAS, 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; committed to community involvement, the
organization 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, Imam Shamsi Ali is a renowned Islamic Scholar and well-known
leader in the New York City Muslim community; he is the director and
spiritual leader of the Jamaica Muslim Center and an advisory board
member to numerous interfaith organizations including the Tanenbaum
Center and Federation for Middle East Peace; he is also Chairman of the
Board of Trustees for the Asean Muslim Federation of North America; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed man was appointed Ambassador for Peace by the
International Religious Federation and has been invited to the White
House multiple times to discuss religious matters; he was among the
religious leaders selected to accompany President George W. Bush on his
visit to Ground Zero after the September 11th attacks; and
WHEREAS, Imam Ali has been the recipient of many accolades and awards
for his tireless work in forging cross-cultural dialogue including the
ICU Interfaith Award and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award; further-
more, he was named one of seven most influential religious leaders in
New York City by NEW YORK MAGAZINE; and
WHEREAS, Imam Shamsi Ali is the co-author of SONS OF ABRAHAM: A CANDID
CONVERSATION ABOUT THE ISSUES THAT DIVIDE AND UNITE JEWS AND MUSLIMS,
which he wrote with Rabbi Marc Schneier; 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 Imam Shamsi Ali upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent 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 Imam Shamsi Ali.