Senate Resolution No. 5032

BY: Senator MAYER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 2018, as Jewish American Heritage Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, The month of May has been proclaimed as Jewish American
Heritage Month since 2006 and each year people across the nation
recognize and celebrate Jewish achievements and contributions to the
United States; and

WHEREAS, For thousands of years, the Jewish people have proudly
sustained their identity and traditions while persevering in the face of
religious persecution, enslavement, and the horrors of the Holocaust;
and

WHEREAS, In search of religious toleration and freedom from
persecution, they established North America's first Jewish community and
devoted their skills and relentless energy to help build what would
become New York City; and

WHEREAS, Ever since, Jewish Americans have achieved great success
and greatly contributed to the culture and history of New York while
strengthening the fabric of society; and

WHEREAS, As educators, journalists, scientists, physicians, lawyers,
artists, and humanitarians, Jewish Americans have made vital
contributions to the development of our communities, academic
institutions, civic organizations, and businesses; and

WHEREAS, Jewish Americans have continued their strong support for
ending discrimination in voting, employment, public accommodation, and
in society at large, by prominently participating in virtually every
civil rights effort in the American experience, including those for
women, farmworkers, the disabled, and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender Americans; and

WHEREAS, Enriched with contrasting stories of achievement and
adversity, success and unparalleled tragedy, the culture and heritage of
Jewish Americans has provided our State and the nation with a pathway to
guide us through periods of growth and expansion as well as depression
and conflict; and

WHEREAS, Jewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity to
remember and thank the many Jewish Americans who defend this nation's
ideals as members of the United States Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, Jewish American Heritage Month is also a time to renew this
nation's unbreakable bond with the nation of Israel. This bond is a
partnership built on mutual interests and shared ideals that transcend
politics. Israel and the United States of America are enriched by
diversity and faith, fueled by innovation, and ruled not only by men and
women, but also by laws; and

WHEREAS, In order to properly recognize the diverse contributions
and achievements of Jewish Americans as well as to preserve and protect
their history and culture for generations to come, it is altogether
proper and fitting that we take this opportunity to continue learning
from Jewish heritage; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2018, as Jewish
American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York; and the Consul General of Israel for New York, Dani Dayan.