LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Eitan and Malka Evan upon the occasion
of their designation as recipients of the Pillars of the Community Award
by the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center

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 quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Eitan and
Malka Evan upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the
Pillars of the Community Award by the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Commu-
nity Center, to be celebrated at its 16th Annual Pillars of the Communi-
ty Awards Brunch on Sunday, April 17, 2016, at Congregation Beth Abraham
Jacob, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Each year, this prestigious awards ceremony recognizes indi-
viduals for their contributions to the Center and the Jewish community-
at-large by acting as moral pillars and dispensers of wisdom and advice,
providing continued service and leadership, and acting generously in the
spirit of Tzedakah; and
WHEREAS, Widely known for their extraordinary dedication to Israel and
the local community, Eitan and Malka Evan's philanthropic and leadership
endeavors continue to inspire all of those who are lucky enough to know
them; and
WHEREAS, Eitan and Malka Evan, along with their three young sons,
Lior, Amir, and Shye, came to Albany from Israel in 1969; Eitan quickly
immersed himself in the family's newspaper, magazine, and book distrib-
ution business, and Malka was asked to teach at Bet Shraga Hebrew Acade-
my, where their sons were students; and
WHEREAS, Over time, Eitan Evan expanded the business from a local
company to a regional enterprise that today covers 18 different
locations in the northeast; he also established the first racquetball
facility in the Capital Region; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Eitan Evan became active with
the Israel Bonds organization, which he chaired for eight years, and
currently serves on the Federation's foundation board; he received an
award for his philanthropy from Brandeis University, for which he later
established a scholarship fund; and
WHEREAS, Malka and Eitan Evan created a fund at SUNY Albany to support
an annual lecture on the Holocaust in their name; they are also members
of the national Jewish Federation's King David Society and Israel Bonds'
Prime Ministers Club in recognition of their unwavering support; and
WHEREAS, Malka Evan has been active in the Jewish Federation of North-
eastern New York for many years, and held many leadership positions,
serving two separate times as chair of the board, the first as chair of
the newly merged Albany and Schenectady Federations; and
WHEREAS, In addition, she has been involved with Daughters of Sarah,
participating in the development of the Massry Residence, and serving as
chair of their board; and
WHEREAS, With a true passion for the field of education and the
welfare of children, Malka Evan was a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald
house and served on their board of directors; she was a founding board
member of Two Together, Inc., as well as an afterschool tutorial program

for children at Giffen Elementary School where she volunteered in the
classroom for 20 years; and
WHEREAS, Malka Evan is currently on the board of Bet Shraga and the
Federation, and a Lion of Judah donor; she has received national recog-
nition for her commitment and philanthropy, receiving numerous awards
including the first woman recipient of the B'nai B'rith Covenant award
in Albany; and
WHEREAS, Eitan and Malka Evan reside in Slingerlands and are members
of Congregation Beth Emeth; their pride and joy are their five grand-
children, Ari, Alec, Sarah, Maxx and Libby; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Eitan and Malka Evan have displayed
throughout their life; 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
honor Eitan and Malka Evan upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients of the Pillars of the Community Award by the Sidney Albert
Albany Jewish Community Center; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Eitan and Malka Evan.