Senate Resolution No. 279

BY: Senator KAPLAN

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
April 2021, as Jewish Sports Heritage Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, The great State of New York recognizes and appreciates the
importance of sports as a leisure activity, as an essential aspect of
our educational system, and as a profession, and applauds those who
devote themselves to training, often for many years, developing their
skills, honing their talents, and gaining mental acuity and a
well-earned sense of self-esteem; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2021, as Jewish Sports
Heritage Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Jewish Sports Heritage Month; and

WHEREAS, A not-for-profit education organization, the mission of the
Jewish Sports Heritage Association is to educate the public about the
role Jewish men and women have played, and continue to play, in the
world of sports; and

WHEREAS, The State of New York recognizes the great pleasure sports
bring to its citizens as fans and spectators, and the enthusiasm,
camaraderie and community spirit they engender, as well as a healthy
competitive spirit; and

WHEREAS, Throughout our nation's history, sports have served as a
means of combating prejudice and racism while weaving minority and
immigrant groups into the American tapestry; and

WHEREAS, New York State is proud that many of its Jewish residents
who, through their commitment to excellence, have made and continue to
make their mark in athletics on every level, from high school athletics
to professional sports and the Olympics; and

WHEREAS, The roster of Jewish athletes includes many sports legends,
such as Marv Albert, Mel Allen, Red Auerbach, Sid Gillman, Hank
Greenberg, Red Holzman, Sandy Koufax and Fred Lebow; New York is proud
to be the home of the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum,
where they are all honored; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1993, the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame
and Museum is dedicated to honoring Jewish sports figures who have
distinguished themselves in the field of sports and fosters a sense of
Jewish identity through athletics; and

WHEREAS, Each year, the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and
Museum proudly inducts outstanding athletes who have distinguished
themselves through their exceptional performance, attaining
unprecedented success and the highest level of personal achievement,
into its Hall of Fame, along with coaches, league commissioners and
presidents, broadcasters, authors, scholar athletes and others; now,
therefore, be it


RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2021, as Jewish
Sports 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; the Jewish Sports Heritage Association; and the National
Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.