LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Alexander and Olga Rovt upon the occa-
sion of their designation by the Russian Division of UJA-Federation of
New York as the recipients of the Lydia Vareljan Community Award at its
Annual Gala on June 7, 2009

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in the Empire State is great-
ly enriched by the faithful and generous service of those who distin-
guish themselves in their profession and in service to their faith,
heritage and community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend individuals of such magnanimous conduct and bearing who demon-
strate a deep and continuing concern for others, and in so doing,
inspire others to do the same; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commend Alexander and Olga Rovt upon the occasion of their designation
by the Russian Division of UJA-Federation of New York as the recipients
of the Lydia Vareljan Community Award at its 2009 Annual Gala and cele-
bration of the Division's 20th Anniversary, to be held at the St. Regis
on Sunday, June 7, 2009; and
WHEREAS, UJA-Federation is an organization of enduring repute and
exemplary accomplishment offering comfort and hope to New Yorkers and
people around the world; the Russian Division, established in 1989, has
raised several million dollars to support three projects in Israel: the
Chama Day Care Center in Kiryat Malachi, the Kislin Library in Sha'ar Ha
Negev, and the Sedych School in Nazareth Illit, as well as programs here
in America to teach English to elderly people studying for citizenship
tests, visit nursing homes to read to the elderly, participate in Big
Brother/Big Sister programs for orphaned and underprivileged children,
and to maintain relationships with families of 9/11 victims; and
WHEREAS, Each year, at its Annual Dinner, the Russian Division of
UJA-Federation of New York proudly recognizes those who support its
endeavors and work diligently on behalf of those it serves; Alexander
and Olga Rovt, ardent supporters of UJA-Federation of New York's Russian
Division, truly merit such recognition; and
WHEREAS, Alexander and Olga Rovt grew up in Ukraine; Alex was born in
the Transcarpathian region and Olga, from a military family, moved there
shortly after birth; they met at Lviv Institute, where he was earning
the equivalent of a Master in Business Administration degree and she was
studying education, and married in 1974; and
WHEREAS, From 1974-1985, the Rovt family experienced many changes;
Alex Rovt began his career in 1978 as Deputy Director of Sales and
Marketing for the Republic of Hungary's Ministry of Food and Agricul-
ture; a year later he became Chief of the Wholesale Department, oversee-
ing the government's food supplies and distribution; and
WHEREAS, In 1985, the Rovts immigrated to the United States; their
eldest son, Philip, was born in Hungary, and Maxwell, their younger son,
was born in the United States when Alex Rovt was Assistant to the Presi-
dent of IBE Trade Corp., a company engaged in the production, sales and
marketing of agricultural fertilizers; he eventually became Vice Presi-
dent and then President and owner of the company; and
WHEREAS, Alexander and Olga Rovt are valued members of Flatbush Park
Jewish Center, where they attend services with their sons, and are
supporters of numerous children's charities; Alex Rovt is President of
Zvi Dov Roth Yeshiva Rambam, founded in memory of his grandfather who
perished in the Holocaust, and Vice President of Yeshiva of Flatbush,

both in Brooklyn, and has supported tuition scholarship programs for
international students who want to study in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Olga Rovt is a Trustee of the Save a Child's Heart Founda-
tion, an Israeli-based humanitarian organization which provides free
cardiac surgeries for children with congenital heart problems throughout
the world, but primarily in developing nations; and
WHEREAS, Alex Rovt's other philanthropic endeavors include serving as
a Trustee of Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, member of
the New York City Board of Corrections, and member of the New York State
Senate's Small Business Advisory Board; and
WHEREAS, Alexander and Olga Rovt also support communities in the
former Soviet Union; Alex Rovt is a principal benefactor of the Jewish
community in Mukachevo, Ukraine, where he was born, and is a devoted
supporter of the Jewish Community of Mukachevo in Brooklyn; in addition,
in 2007, in memory of his grandparents and other family members who
perished in the Holocaust, he made the publication of THE CARPATHIAN
DIASPORA, written by Israeli professor Yeshayahu A. Jelinek, possible;
and
WHEREAS, Honored on many occasions, Alex Rovt has received the United
Hospital Fund's Distinguished Trustee Award and a bronze statue from the
Solomon Mykhoels International Art Festival for his work with Jewish
communities and public organizations; and
WHEREAS, Alexander and Olga Rovt exemplify the ideals and proud tradi-
tions of the Russian Division of UJA-Federation; this Legislative Body
is pleased to have this opportunity to extend its highest commendation
to Alexander and Olga Rovt, applauding the strength of their commitment
and their dedication to those in need among the Jewish community wherev-
er they may be; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Alexander and Olga Rovt upon the occasion of their designation
by the Russian Division of UJA-Federation of New York as the recipients
of the Lydia Vareljan Community Award at its Annual Gala on June 7,
2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Alexander and Olga Rovt.