Senate Resolution No. 3934

BY: Senator PHILLIPS

COMMEMORATING the 26th Anniversary of SHAI on
March 14, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 26th Anniversary of SHAI, to be celebrated at its
Biennial Gala on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at Temple Israel of Great
Neck, New York; and

WHEREAS, This year's Gala, hosted by Standup Comedian Dan Ahdoot and
Writer and Actor Dave Ahdoot, highlights the exceptional achievements of
both professionals and students from the Persian Jewish community; and

WHEREAS, Sephardic Heritage Alliance Inc. (SHAI) is a non-profit
organization dedicated to meeting the needs of the local Persian Jewish
community; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished 26-year history, SHAI has
created relationships with local government, local schools, synagogues,
and other non-profits for the betterment of the Persian Jewish community
and the community-at-large; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, under the able leadership of its President,
Rebecca Yousefzadeh Sassouni, SHAI has distributed significant funds in
need-based scholarships to more than 1,000 financially-deserving
students in the United States and in Israel through its Scholarship
Fund; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to its community, SHAI hosts countless
community-wide environmental forums, educational panels, health and
wellness seminars, holiday toy and clothing drives, blood drives,
Persian cultural and language awareness programs, and senior citizen
programming at the Great Neck Senior Center; and

WHEREAS, The success of SHAI is in direct correlation to the efforts
of its members, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized
by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an
uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the
organization and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to SHAI; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations 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
commemorate the 26th Anniversary of SHAI on March 14, 2018; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rebecca Yousefzadeh Sassouni, President, SHAI.