Senate Resolution No. 2368

BY: Senator KAPLAN

HONORING Susan Held upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the L'Dor V'Dor Award by
UJA Long Island Women and Hope Against Domestic
Violence

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Susan Held
upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the L'Dor V'Dor
Award by UJA Long Island Women and Hope Against Domestic Violence, to be
celebrated at its Spring Event on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at the Old
Westbury Hebrew Congregation; and

WHEREAS, Susan Held and her daughter, Lauren Held Cohen, and
daughter-in-law, Erica Held, are receiving this prestigious award for
their steadfast and unremitting commitment to their community; they are
truly proud to be a part of this vital organization which strives to
support women and families facing poverty and domestic violence and
nurtures mental health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, Susan Held and her husband Jonathon moved to Long Island
from New York City in 1989, and from the moment she arrived, she became
involved in several charitable endeavors; she was a member of the Board
of Directors of the Sid Jacobson JCC, a UJA-Federation partner, for more
than 25 years, and currently serves on the honorary board; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, Susan Held is a member on the Board of Directors
of UJA-Federation of New York, the UJA Long Island Executive Board, and
the Long Island Council of Birthright Israel, which she co-founded; and

WHEREAS, Susan Held is actively involved with the Anti-Defamation
League, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Temple Beth Sholom
of Roslyn, Northwell Health, and a number of other charitable
institutions; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable woman also serves on the Board of Directors
of Old Westbury Golf & Country Club, where she heads the house committee
and serves on the executive committee; together with her family, she
donated a capital gift for the renovation of the Long Island campus of
Henry Kaufman Campgrounds; and

WHEREAS, In addition to all of her volunteer work, Susan Held has
enjoyed a long career in the intimate fashion industry and the business
world; in 1978, she joined the staff at Bloomingdales, New York, as an
intimate apparel buyer, and four years later, she became the merchandise
manager for all intimate apparel with Lord & Taylor, followed by Vice
President of Merchandising for Carole Hochman designs and Christian Dior
lingerie; and

WHEREAS, From 2000-2011, Susan Held was a principal at American Fire
Restoration; in this capacity, she was instrumental in the growth of the
business to one of the leading restoration firms in New York; during
that time, she also held the title of Chief Operating Officer of J.S.
Held, Inc. until she officially retired in May of 2015; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
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
honor Susan Held upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the L'Dor V'Dor Award by UJA Long Island Women and Hope Against Domestic
Violence; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Susan Held.