Senate Resolution No. 599

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Rona and Louis-Jack Pozner 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 the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors,
and community service are an example and inspiration to their
colleagues, friends, family, and community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Rona and Louis-Jack Pozner upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients of the Pillars of the Community Award by the Sidney Albert
Albany Jewish Community Center, to be celebrated on Sunday, April 30,
2017; and

WHEREAS, Each year, this prestigious awards ceremony recognizes
individuals 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, Rona and Louis-Jack Pozner's philanthropic and
leadership endeavors continue to inspire all of those who are lucky
enough to know them; and

WHEREAS, Rona and Louis-Jack Pozner, both natives of downstate New
York, have known each other since they were five and six years old
respectively, having met in Hebrew School in Elmont, Long Island; the
couple relocated to the Albany area in 1971, after Louis-Jack graduated
from Brooklyn Law School and took a position with the New York State
Court System; and

WHEREAS, After three years in the State Courts, in 1974 through
2013, Louis-Jack maintained his own law practice, after nearly four
decades of distinguished public service; Rona retired after 32 years as
his office manager and strong right hand; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the
community, Rona Pozner has been an active member of several community
and charitable organizations including as secretary, treasurer and
president of Temple Israel's sisterhood; treasurer and member of the
executive committee and board of trustees of the Bet Shraga Hebrew
Academy; and the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, serving as
its Women's Philanthropy chair and vice president of the Federation, as
well as assistant treasurer and treasurer and chair of its finance
committee; and

WHEREAS, Rona Pozner became a member of the Board of Trustees of the
Jewish Federations of North America in November of 2016, at its General
Assembly, representing intermediate sized federations; in addition, she

is a life member of Hadassah, an endowed Lion of Judah of Women's
Philanthropy of Federation and proud recipient of the Federation's
President's Award in 2013; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to the community, Louis-Jack Pozner has served
on the boards and as president of the Daughters of Sarah Foundation, Bet
Shraga Hebrew Academy and Temple Israel; he is a past chair of the
Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and serves on its board of
trustees; and

WHEREAS, As chair elect, Louis-Jack Pozner served as chairman of the
campaign cabinet, of which he has been a member for more than 20 years;
additionally, he has served on the board and was an officer of the Vaad
Hakashrut of the Capital District and the Federation's Endowment Board;
and

WHEREAS, At the Federation, Louis-Jack Pozner served as chair of its
P2K committee and was on the long range planning committee; he is
currently on its grants and allocations committee, as well as the board
of trustees; and

WHEREAS, Louis-Jack Pozner has lectured to the New York State Bar
Association and served on the Character and Fitness Committee and
Grievance Committee of the New York State Supreme Court; he is an
associate life member of Hadassah and the recipient of the Albany
Federation's Samuel Aronowitz Young Leadership Award and the Jewish
Federation of Northeastern New York's Sidney Albert Community Service
Award; and

WHEREAS, Rona and Louis-Jack Pozner were awarded the Bet Shraga
Hebrew Academy's Heritage Award in 2007, and Temple Israel's Circle of
Humanity Award in 2011; they were honored by Congregation Beth Abraham
Jacob in 2014, for outstanding leadership and unending commitment to the
Capital District's Jewish Community; and

WHEREAS, With them throughout have been their three children,
Samantha (Andrew), Jo-Ellen (Ben) and Zachary (Dera-Jill), and four
grandchildren, Tabatha, Miller, Simon and Gideon, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of their lives and rejoice in their
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Rona and Louis-Jack Pozner
have displayed throughout their lives; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Rona and Louis-Jack Pozner, that future generations may know and
appreciate their admirable character, their many benevolent deeds, and
their respect and esteem in which they are held by their peers; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Rona and Louis-Jack Pozner 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
transmitted to Rona and Louis-Jack Pozner.