LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Irving and Elaine Shapiro posthu-
mously upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the Memo-
rial Tribute Award by the Aleh Foundation

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 organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr. Irving and
Elaine Shapiro posthumously upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients of the Memorial Tribute Award by the Aleh Foundation, to be
celebrated at the Foundation's 30th Annual Awards Dinner at the Museum
of Jewish Heritage in New York City, on Wednesday, May 21, 2014; and
WHEREAS, The Aleh Foundation was established in 1984, by a group of
women wanting to assist with the staggering needs of disabled children
in Israel; it has grown from a small hospice program for children,
becoming Israel's largest provider of educational rehabilitative
services to severely disabled children with a network of more than
30,000 friends throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, The Aleh Foundation's 30th Annual Awards Dinner is being
dedicated in loving memory to Dr. Irving and Elaine Shapiro, and a
special benediction will be recited in recognition of the tremendous
support they have given to the organization over the years; their chil-
dren, Dr. Craig Shapiro, Joshua Kaplan, and Stephanie Cohen, will be
accepting the Memorial Tribute Award on their behalf; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Irving and Elaine Shapiro each dedicated their lives to
volunteerism and charity, giving back to their community and for the
good of mankind; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed couple were important contributors to the Aleh
Foundation, helping fulfill its vital mission of helping disabled chil-
dren; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Irving and Elaine Shapiro were also noted for their work
supporting numerous other Jewish causes; they helped found the Omaha
Hebrew Academy, and donated land for the Beth Israel Synagogue; and
WHEREAS, Elaine Shapiro was a coordinator at the University of Nebras-
ka Transplant Program, where she assisted and supported families of
transplant patients; she was recognized for her community service by
being awarded the Nebraska Volunteer of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of their community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Dr. Irving and Elaine Shapiro stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Dr. Irving and Elaine Shapiro displayed
throughout their lives; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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 Dr. Irving and Elaine Shapiro posthumously, upon the occasion of
their designation as recipients of the Memorial Tribute Award by the
Aleh Foundation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the aforementioned children of Dr. Irving and Elaine Shapiro.