N.Y. State Legislature Adopts Resolutions Marking 16th Anniversary of the Re-unification of Jerusale

In a move unprecedented in any state legislature, the New York State Assembly and Senate this week adopted resolutions commemorating the 16th anniversary of the re-unification of Jerusalem. Jerusalem Day is marked in Israel this year on May II.

Resolutions introduced in the Assembly by Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn and Assemblyman Alan Hevesy, both Democrats from Queens, and in the Senate by Democratic Leader Manfred Ohrenstein of Manhattan and Sen. Norman Levy (R. Nassau), were unanimously approved by both houses. As the similar resolutions were introduced, Naphtali Lavie, Israel’s Consul General in New York, was recognized as a special guest on the floor of each chamber.

The resolutions traced the history of Jerusalem, emphasizing Israel’s desire for peace and concluded: “Upon the occasion of the sixteenth anniversary of the re-unification of Jerusalem, this legislative body is greatly moved to acknowledge the contribution to world peace rendered through the heroic efforts of the people of the State of Israel; now therefore, be it resolved that this Legislative body pause in its deliberations and most joyously commemorate the sixteenth anniversary of the re-unification of Jerusalem in the beloved State of Israel.”

Lavie said of the resolutions: “I appreciate very much the gesture of the legislators who took this initiative and invited me. On behalf of the State of Israel, I express gratitude for this noble statement of support.”

Emphasizing that the re-unification of Jerusalem allowed people of all faiths to regain access to worship at their holy sites, Lavie added: “I hope this resolution will serve as an example for other states of the union.”

Prior to the legislative sessions, Lavie was the guest of honor at a Jerusalem Day luncheon for Jewish legislators, hosted by Mayersohn and Hevesy. The Israeli Consul briefed the legislators and their staffs on the new Israel-Lebanon agreement.