Honor SHAI’s 26th Anniversary

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.