Honor Max Russ for Service

April 26, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those young people within the great Empire State who have made strong contributions to their communities and who serve as role models for their peers; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Max Russ upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Jewish Community Relations Council-Long Island, at its Annual Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration to be held on Thursday, April 26, 2018, at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York; and WHEREAS, Holocaust Remembrance Day, known in Hebrew as Yom HaShoah, is a day set aside for remembering the victims of the Holocaust and for reminding New Yorkers, all Americans, and people around the world of what can happen to civilized people when bigotry, hatred and indifference reign; and WHEREAS, At this auspicious event, Max Russ will be recognized for his diligent work in creating a more civil society for the citizens of not only Nassau County, but the entire State of New York; and WHEREAS, A student at Temple Sinai in Roslyn Heights, New York, Max Russ holds the title of President of the peer-elected Youth Group Board, which oversees a membership of 120 teenagers; well-respected among his fellow students, Max leads by example, striving to make each and every member feel welcome and comfortable, and does his best to encourage them to live up to their potential; and WHEREAS, Max Russ also serves as a mentor in Temple Sinai's Hand in Hand program which pairs 25 teenagers from the synagogue with 50 children living in homeless shelters in New York City; the children travel to Roslyn Heights where they interact with a group of enthusiastic and kind teenagers who are truly happy to spend time with them; and WHEREAS, In addition to his work with Temple Sinai, Max Russ is a counselor of Sunrise Day Camp, which is dedicated to providing the day camp experience to children with cancer and their siblings, free of charge; throughout the school year, he volunteers for the Camp's monthly programs for children who have attended or will be going to camp during the summer; and WHEREAS, Max Russ is a credit to his family, school, community, and his State and Nation, and it is certain that his future will be filled with accomplishments of equal importance; and WHEREAS, With his sense of civic duty and his commitment to others, Max Russ represents the best development of the potential which is inherent in our most precious resource, our youth; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Max Russ upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Jewish Community Relations Council-Long Island, at its Annual Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration on April 26, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Max Russ.