Honor Pozners for Community Service

Senate Resolution No. 599 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Rona and Louis-Jack Pozner upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the Pillars of the Community Award by the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors, and community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues, friends, family, and community; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Rona and Louis-Jack Pozner upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the Pillars of the Community Award by the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center, to be celebrated on Sunday, April 30,

2017; and WHEREAS, Each year, this prestigious awards ceremony recognizes individuals for their contributions to the Center and the Jewish community-at-large by acting as moral pillars and dispensers of wisdom and advice, providing continued service and leadership, and acting generously in the spirit of Tzedakah; and WHEREAS, Widely known for their extraordinary dedication to Israel and the local community, Rona and Louis-Jack Pozner's philanthropic and leadership endeavors continue to inspire all of those who are lucky enough to know them; and WHEREAS, Rona and Louis-Jack Pozner, both natives of downstate New York, have known each other since they were five and six years old respectively, having met in Hebrew School in Elmont, Long Island; the couple relocated to the Albany area in 1971, after Louis-Jack graduated from Brooklyn Law School and took a position with the New York State Court System; and WHEREAS, After three years in the State Courts, in 1974 through

2013, Louis-Jack maintained his own law practice, after nearly four decades of distinguished public service; Rona retired after 32 years as his office manager and strong right hand; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the community, Rona Pozner has been an active member of several community and charitable organizations including as secretary, treasurer and president of Temple Israel's sisterhood; treasurer and member of the executive committee and board of trustees of the Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy; and the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, serving as its Women's Philanthropy chair and vice president of the Federation, as well as assistant treasurer and treasurer and chair of its finance committee; and WHEREAS, Rona Pozner became a member of the Board of Trustees of the Jewish Federations of North America in November of 2016, at its General Assembly, representing intermediate sized federations; in addition, she is a life member of Hadassah, an endowed Lion of Judah of Women's Philanthropy of Federation and proud recipient of the Federation's President's Award in 2013; and WHEREAS, A true asset to the community, Louis-Jack Pozner has served on the boards and as president of the Daughters of Sarah Foundation, Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy and Temple Israel; he is a past chair of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and serves on its board of trustees; and WHEREAS, As chair elect, Louis-Jack Pozner served as chairman of the campaign cabinet, of which he has been a member for more than 20 years; additionally, he has served on the board and was an officer of the Vaad Hakashrut of the Capital District and the Federation's Endowment Board; and WHEREAS, At the Federation, Louis-Jack Pozner served as chair of its P2K committee and was on the long range planning committee; he is currently on its grants and allocations committee, as well as the board of trustees; and WHEREAS, Louis-Jack Pozner has lectured to the New York State Bar Association and served on the Character and Fitness Committee and Grievance Committee of the New York State Supreme Court; he is an associate life member of Hadassah and the recipient of the Albany Federation's Samuel Aronowitz Young Leadership Award and the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York's Sidney Albert Community Service Award; and WHEREAS, Rona and Louis-Jack Pozner were awarded the Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy's Heritage Award in 2007, and Temple Israel's Circle of Humanity Award in 2011; they were honored by Congregation Beth Abraham Jacob in 2014, for outstanding leadership and unending commitment to the Capital District's Jewish Community; and WHEREAS, With them throughout have been their three children, Samantha (Andrew), Jo-Ellen (Ben) and Zachary (Dera-Jill), and four grandchildren, Tabatha, Miller, Simon and Gideon, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of their lives and rejoice in their achievements; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals for the benefit of others which Rona and Louis-Jack Pozner have displayed throughout their lives; and WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to Rona and Louis-Jack Pozner, that future generations may know and appreciate their admirable character, their many benevolent deeds, and their respect and esteem in which they are held by their peers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Rona and Louis-Jack Pozner upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the Pillars of the Community Award by the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Rona and Louis-Jack Pozner.