Honor Agudath Israel Dinner

29, 2018 WHEREAS, Religious organizations, and the many spiritual, social and educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay tribute to those organizations and individuals who have contributed to the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Agudath Israel of America upon the occasion of hosting its 96th Annual Dinner, "A Movement in Time" on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at the Hilton in New York, New York; and WHEREAS, This auspicious annual event is widely recognized as one of the major events on the Jewish communal calendar, attracting a broad array of prominent Orthodox Jewish leaders, as well as a host of distinguished personalities in government, business and the media with whom Agudath Israel works closely with in serving the community; and WHEREAS, Since its founding on a global scale in 1913, in Kotowicz, Poland, Agudath Israel has united a diverse cross section of leading Orthodox rabbis, activists, philanthropists and everyday community members; the organization has earned unrivaled respect on the streets of Jewish communities, and in the halls of governments and embassies, around the world serving as an invaluable force in rescuing Jewish lives during the Holocaust and leading its community's historic renaissance thereafter; and WHEREAS, In 1922, Agudath Israel of America was founded to serve as Orthodox Jewry's umbrella organization in North America, where the majority of Jews in the Diaspora are proud to call home, acting as a voice, guiding light and helping hand for its community's material and spirit; and WHEREAS, Through the years, Agudath Israel of America has proudly carried this torch with the guidance and intimate involvement of the Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah of America, a council of leading Torah sages; Agudath Israel of America is keenly attuned to the American Jewish community's challenges and triumphs, and has helped its communities grow, thrive and advance through changing times; and WHEREAS, Since day one, Agudath Israel of America has stayed true to its key goals which include strengthening Jewish communities, strengthening religious education and Torah learning for adults, government and legal advocacy, comprehensive community based social services and inspiring Jewish youth; and WHEREAS, Agudath Israel of America stands on the threshold of tomorrow, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while retaining that spiritual resolve which characterizes its past; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of enduring religious organizations and to bring such organizations to the attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Agudath Israel of America upon the occasion of hosting its 96th Annual Dinner on May 29, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Agudath Israel of America.