LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the
National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education on November 15,
2015

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in New York State is greatly
enriched by its religious organizations and the faithful and generous
service of those who devote themselves to endeavors of family, faith,
and community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend organizations of such magnanimous conduct and bearing which
demonstrate a deep and continuing concern for others, and in so doing,
inspire others to do the same; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 75th Anniversary of the National Committee for Furtherance of
Jewish Education, to be celebrated on Sunday, November 15, 2015, at Pier
60, Manhattan, New York; and
WHEREAS, The National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education
(NCFJE) is a multi-faceted charity which protects, feeds and educates
thousands of individuals throughout the New York metro area and around
the Nation; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1940 by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson, NCFJE is
one of the first Chabad-Lubavitch charities established in the United
States; the principal mission of this vital organization is to provide
Jewish public school students with a free Jewish education through the
Jewish Released Time program; and
WHEREAS, Shortly after the founding of NCFJE, Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht was
appointed to lead the organization and charged with expanding the range
and intensity of its programs; many of the Released Time children came
from households which experienced a range of economic and social hard-
ships; subsequently, during this time, the NCFJE implemented numerous
educational and humanitarian services; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the decades, NCFJE has been instrumental in the
rescue of nearly 1,000 Jewish children from Iran, the founding of the
Colony of Hope in Israel, and the implementation of counseling and
hotline services in the wake of the Crown Heights Riots and the Brooklyn
Bridge Shootings; and
WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous direction of Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht,
NCFJE continues to provide fast, discreet and dignified service to all
sectors of the Jewish community through such programs as: Toys for
Hospitalized Children; Hadar Hatorah Rabbinical Seminary; Ivy League
Torah Study Program; Orphan, Poor and Sick Fund; Camp Emunah; Machne
Yisrael Day Camp; and Chai Tots; and
WHEREAS, Religious organizations, and the many spiritual, social and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development
of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and
WHEREAS, The success of the National Committee for Furtherance of
Jewish Education is in direct correlation to the efforts of its staff
and volunteers, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized
by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompro-
mising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organ-
ization and the community it serves; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the National Committee
for Furtherance of Jewish Education; and
WHEREAS, it is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-

tion, they should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the National Committee for Further-
ance of Jewish Education on November 15, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht, the National Committee for Furtherance
of Jewish Education.