Honor UJA-Federation's 100th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 2607 BY: Senator PERSAUD COMMENDING the UJA-Federation of New York upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in New York State is greatly enriched by its religious institutions and the faithful and generous service of those who devote themselves to endeavors of family, faith, and community; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend institutions and individuals of such magnanimous conduct and bearing who demonstrate a deep and continuing concern for others, and in so doing, inspire others to do the same; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the UJA-Federation of New York upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary; and WHEREAS, In the early 20th Century, a small group of visionary philanthropists recognized that turbulent times required a major change in how Jewish New Yorkers could support the causes they cared most about; Felix Warburg, a Jewish investment banker and humanitarian, spearheaded a group of community leaders to launch a federation, a central organization which would reduce the duplication and competition among many local Jewish charities, and maximize what they could do together; and WHEREAS, On January 10, 1917, the Federation for the Support of Jewish Philanthropic Societies of New York City was formally chartered by the State of New York; in its first year, it distributed significant funds to Jewish hospitals, orphanages, and social service organizations; and WHEREAS, The agreement creating the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) was signed in January of 1939 to provide relief for European Jews trapped in the vise of war, to sustain Jews living in pre-state Palestine, and to facilitate German Jewish immigration to safer countries; and WHEREAS, In 1941, UJA of Greater New York incorporated, making it by far the most important affiliate of national UJA; in 1986, UJA formally merged with Federation to create UJA-Federation of New York; and WHEREAS, During its first 100 years, UJA-Federation of New York has been at the forefront of responding to major events which have shaped its city and its global community; and WHEREAS, The success of the UJA-Federation is in direct correlation to the efforts of its staff, 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 institution and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those organizations which enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the UJA-Federation of New York upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the UJA-Federation of New York.