Honor Jewish Children's Museum Dinner

2017 WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the great State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good works of those patriotic and civic-minded community members who dedicate their lives and careers to the service of others; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Jewish Children's Museum upon the occasion of hosting its Twelfth Annual Dinner on Thursday, March 30, 2017, in Brooklyn, New York, and paying tribute to this year's honorees; and WHEREAS, This year's honorees include Mary Murphy, the recipient of the Ari Halberstam Memorial Award; Nathan Dubrowski, the recipient of the Unity Award; and The Slomo & Cindy Silvian Foundation, the recipient of the Community Builders Award; and WHEREAS, The Jewish Children's Museum is a setting for children of all faiths and backgrounds to gain a positive perspective and awareness of the Jewish heritage, fostering tolerance and understanding; and WHEREAS, With hands-on exhibits focusing on Jewish holidays, biblical history, the land of Israel, contemporary Jewish life and more, the Jewish Children's Museum celebrates and explores many aspects of Jewish culture; through innovative multi-media technology, Jewish history, values and culture come to life at the Museum; and WHEREAS, The Jewish Children's Museum is a 50,000 square-foot landmark, designed by award-winning architects, Gwathmey Siegel and Associates; the Museum includes exhibits which introduce children to dress, costumes, foods, and history of the Jewish culture; and WHEREAS, The Museum also provides opportunities for hands-on activities which include an arts complex/auditorium, an interactive digital center and a computer lab; and WHEREAS, The exhibits and craft workshops have become a vital part of cultural appreciation programs in the New York school system; their message of inter-ethnic understanding is carried around the country via software, videos, and publications; and WHEREAS, It is therefore, the Museum's mission to promote respect, understanding, and tolerance among all people, through education and culture; since its opening in 2005, the Museum has served over 2 million visitors from the tri-state area and beyond; and WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when organizations and 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 commend the Jewish Children's Museum upon the occasion of hosting its Twelfth Annual Dinner, and pay tribute to this year's honorees on March