LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Jewish War Veterans of the United
States Post No. 105 upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of
the 2016 Circle of Humanity Award by Temple Israel, Albany, New York

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the Jewish War
Veterans of the United States Post No. 105 upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the 2016 Circle of Humanity Award by Temple
Israel, Albany, New York, to be celebrated at a dinner on Monday, May 9,
2016; and
WHEREAS, The Circle of Humanity Award is presented to local individ-
uals and institutions who devote themselves to making a positive differ-
ence in our community and beyond; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious award is given to those who have shown cour-
age and initiative to reach out, together, to create an atmosphere that
is at once positive, exciting and contagious, spreading its arms in an
extension of human circles which includes those in every walk of life;
the Jewish War Veterans of the United States Post No. 105 epitomizes
this definition; and
WHEREAS, Albany Post 105 of the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. has
more than 80 years of service to the Capital Region's Jewish community
and the cause of veterans' nationwide; and
WHEREAS, Originally chartered in February of 1935, the Albany Post
105's 21 charter members ultimately led to the formation of the Capital
Region District Council along with posts from Schenectady, Troy, Utica,
and Glens Falls; Post 36 in Saratoga Springs joined the council in 2014;
and
WHEREAS, The Post includes a diverse group of Jewish veterans of World
War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, Gulf War, the Balkans, Iraq and
Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, The Jewish War Veterans supports the efforts of the national
organization to combat bigotry and foster citizenship and patriotism;
Post veterans support their fellow comrades and families along with
ensuring honors and care for the gravesites of our fallen soldiers; and
WHEREAS, "The purpose of the Jewish War Veterans is, in part, to
"uphold the fair name of the Jew... wherever unjustly assailed;
...combat the powers of bigotry...; and to preserve the memories... of
patriotic service performed by the men and women of our faith;" noted
Post Commander and Vietnam Veteran Paul Zonderman, quoting from the JWV
Constitution Preamble; and
WHEREAS, Albany Post 105 is a volunteer partner with the Stratton VA
Medical Center in Albany to assist with veterans' causes and their care
and is the charter organization for the annual "Four Chaplains Brother-
hood Award," first presented in 1966; and
WHEREAS, The Jewish War Veterans is the oldest veterans organization
in the country and is a sponsor of the National Museum of American
Jewish Military History in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their

lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for
their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Jewish War Veterans of the United States Post No. 105 upon the
occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2016 Circle of Humanity
Award by Temple Israel, Albany, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Paul Zonderman, Commander, Jewish War Veterans of the United
States Post No. 105.