Senate Resolution No. 3572

BY: Senator PERSAUD

COMMENDING the UJA-Federation of New York upon the
occasion of celebrating its 101st Anniversary

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in New York State is
greatly enriched by its religious institutions and the faithful and
generous service of those who devote themselves to endeavors of family,
faith, and community; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend institutions and individuals of such magnanimous conduct and
bearing who 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
commend the UJA-Federation of New York upon the occasion of celebrating
its 101st Anniversary; and

WHEREAS, In the early 20th Century, a small group of visionary
philanthropists recognized that turbulent times required a major change
in how Jewish New Yorkers could support the causes they cared most
about; Felix Warburg, a Jewish investment banker and humanitarian,
spearheaded a group of community leaders to launch a federation, a
central organization which would reduce the duplication and competition
among many local Jewish charities, and maximize what they could do
together; and

WHEREAS, On January 10, 1917, the Federation for the Support of
Jewish Philanthropic Societies of New York City was formally chartered
by the State of New York; in its first year, it distributed significant
funds to Jewish hospitals, orphanages, and social service organizations;
and

WHEREAS, The agreement creating the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) was
signed in January of 1939 to provide relief for European Jews trapped in
the vise of war, to sustain Jews living in pre-state Palestine, and to
facilitate German Jewish immigration to safer countries; and

WHEREAS, In 1941, UJA of Greater New York incorporated, making it by
far the most important affiliate of national UJA; in 1986, UJA formally
merged with Federation to create UJA-Federation of New York; and

WHEREAS, During its first 101 years, UJA-Federation of New York has
been at the forefront of responding to major events which have shaped
its city and its global community; and

WHEREAS, The success of the UJA-Federation is in direct correlation
to the efforts of its staff, whose involvement is, and always has been,
characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and
an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of
the institution and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
organizations which enhance the well-being and vitality of their
community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence
certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the UJA-Federation of New York upon the occasion of celebrating
its 101st Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the UJA-Federation of New York.