LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 2016 Celebrate Israel Parade to
be held in New York City on Sunday, June 5, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and applaud events which foster
pride and exemplify the cultural diversity which represents and
strengthens the fabric of the communities of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The annual Celebrate Israel Parade, on New York City's Fifth
Avenue, will take place on Sunday, June 5, 2016; this year's Parade
celebrates Israel's 68th Anniversary of Independence; it honors the
history and heritage, as well as the spirit, of an indomitable people
and affirms their culture, identity and self-esteem; and
WHEREAS, The theme of this year's Celebrate Israel Parade is "Sight,
Sound and Spirit"; and
WHEREAS, With due cause and proper resolve, this Legislative Body is
proud to commend the 2016 Celebrate Israel Parade and to pay tribute to
its organizers and participants; and
WHEREAS, The Celebrate Israel Parade is the largest and most signif-
icant event in support of Israel; it is truly a heartfelt expression by
the American Jewish community of solidarity with the State of Israel and
its people; and
WHEREAS, The Celebrate Israel Parade is a project of the Israel Trib-
ute Committee; it features hundreds of thousands of marchers represent-
ing public and private schools, groups from Jewish organizations and
community centers, high school marching bands, international dancers and
other performers, and professionally designed floats sponsored by
private companies and Jewish organizations, and draws nearly one million
spectators and several million television viewers; and
WHEREAS, The Celebrate Israel Parade, begun in 1964, has grown over
the years until today it is an extraordinary and joyous opportunity for
the people of the State of New York, and the surrounding areas, to show
their support of, and solidarity with, the people of Israel; and
WHEREAS, The people of the State of New York share with the people of
the State of Israel, and of all nations, the fervent hope and profound
desire for an enduring peace; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, as a reaffirmation
of its continued support of the State of Israel and the principles upon
which it stands, to extend to the people and government of Israel, best
wishes on the occasion of the 2016 Celebrate Israel Parade and the cele-
bration of Israel's 68th Anniversary and fervent prayers for Shalom al
Yisroel, Peace to Israel; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Celebrate Israel Parade on June 5, 2016; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Israel Tribute Committee.