Senate Resolution No. 2301

BY: Senator CANZONERI-FITZPATRICK

HONORING Sir Dr. David Goldberg upon the occasion
of being knighted by the renowned Parte Guelfa in
Florence, Italy

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Sir Dr. David Goldberg upon the occasion of being knighted by the
renowned Parte Guelfa in November 2023; and

WHEREAS, A social studies teacher at Sanford H. Calhoun High School
in Merrick, New York, Dr. David Goldberg, 42, was recently knighted by
an 800-year-old knighthood organization based in Florence, Italy, in
recognition of his public service; and

WHEREAS, Dr. David Goldberg of Long Beach, New York, was recognized
by Parte Guelfa, a knighthood dedicated to environmental preservation;
established in 1266 by the Knights of Florence, who received official
approval from Pope Clement IV, the knighthood represents a community of
distinguished and accomplished people active in sustainable development
and building a better world; and

WHEREAS, Dr. David Goldberg attained this most esteemed distinction
in November of 2023, at a two-day ceremony in Florence; he was nominated
by a friend who is also a knight, Malachi Halliday, of Dubai; other
inductees include the former prime minister of Lebanon, an ambassador
and the Reverend Bernardo Gianni, spiritual advisor to the pope; and

WHEREAS, The multi-day investiture ceremony included marching
through the streets of Florence, past the Duomo to the Basilica Di Santa
Croce, where Michelangelo and Dante are buried; Dr. David Goldberg was
in full regalia along with other knights and dames; and

WHEREAS, In addition to social studies, Dr. David Goldberg teaches
Voices of the Past, a class offered to students in grades 10-12, which
is a joint venture between the English and social studies departments;
he is also very active in social causes beyond teaching; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to environmental
preservation, Dr. David Goldberg is on the board of NGO Sustainability,
a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development
and renewable energy that consults with the United Nations; he is also
on the President's Leadership Council at the Nobel Prize-nominated
Search for Common Ground, the largest organization in the world devoted
to ending violence; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he serves as the board vice president of Peace
Education Initiative Rwanda and sits on the National Advisory Council at

the Center for Civic Education; he is the proud recipient of the Edward
Weisband Award for Public Service or Contributions to Public Affairs;
and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Sir Dr. David Goldberg upon the occasion of being knighted by the
renowned Parte Guelfa; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sir Dr. David Goldberg.