LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION expressing profound sorrow for the Sassoon fami-
ly's loss, and applauding the neighbors and civil servants who assisted
the Sassoon family in a moment of great need

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the tragedy of the devastating
fire that took place on March 21, 2015, and the loss of life and damage
that have been sustained by the victims and their loved ones; and
WHEREAS, In the early hours of Saturday, March 21, 2015, a fire which
began in a Midwood family's kitchen overran their home, and the family,
the community, and New York City suffered an unspeakable loss; and
WHEREAS, The Sassoon family, caught unaware of the fire as it spread,
lost seven of their children in the blaze, including Eliane, 16; Rivka,
11; Sara, 6; David, 12; Yeshua, 10; Moshe, 8; and Yaakob, 5; survived
only by Gabriel Sassoon and Gayle Sassoon, the children's parents, and
Siporah Sassoon, 15; and
WHEREAS, Gayle and Siporah Sassoon leapt from the second floor of
their home to escape the flames, and attempted to rouse family and
neighbors to help rescue their family from the flames; and
WHEREAS, Family, neighbors, and the New York City Fire Department all
attempted valiantly to intervene and prevent the flames from claiming
any of the Sassoon children's lives; and
WHEREAS, Gabriel Sassoon, husband to Gayle Sassoon and father to the
eight children, buried his seven children in Israel on the Monday
following the fire; and
WHEREAS, The Sassoon family, whose roots lay in Midwood, Brooklyn and
had recently returned to live there a few years prior to reconnect with
family and community alike, has been irrevocably altered by the tragic
events of March 21st; and
WHEREAS, The Sassoon family's loss is our loss, and we grieve with
them as Mr. and Mrs. Sassoon and Siporah continue to survive the fire
that claimed their home and loved ones; and
WHEREAS, Gayle Sassoon, Siporah, their family, neighbors, and the Fire
Department all deserve our gratitude for selflessly attempting to rescue
the Sassoon children from the home, demonstrating that in the face of
overwhelmingly negative odds and an unexpected crisis, our neighbors'
spirit and willingness to place the needs and welfare of others above
their own is alive and deeply ingrained in our sense of community; and
WHEREAS, On behalf of the people of the State of New York, the members
of this Legislative Body offer their deepest condolences to the Sassoon
family; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
express profound sorrow for the Sassoon family's loss, and to applaud
the neighbors and civil servants who assisted the Sassoon family in a
moment of great need; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Gabriel, Gayle, and Siporah Sassoon.