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Proclamation

"Whereas, throughout the history of mankind, the cause of freedom has been the single most compelling and important objective of people of all nations, religions and political ideologies, and its fundamental relevance to the success of any civilization is witnessed in the legacy of its people and further confirmed by their enduring identity and accomplishments as a society; and

Whereas, for thousands of years, Jews in substantial numbers resided in North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf Region - fully 1,000 years before the advent of Islam, and, there were times when Jewish life flourished in many of these countries; and

Whereas, the exodus of Jews from Arab countries occurred primarily from the 1940s and the 1970s, whereupon they immigrated to countries throughout the world, including the United States; and

Whereas, from over 1,000,000 Jews living in North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf region at the turn of the century, it is estimated that less than 5,000 Jews remain today; and

Whereas, the Jewish people are known for their strong faith and sense of family and, today, throughout the Jewish diaspora - in places like New York where there are concentrations of Jews, large and small - Jews from Arab countries have established communal foundations that serve as beacons of freedom for others; and

Whereas, we recognize that it is important to preserve the rich, vibrant history and heritage of Jews and Jewish communities who were displaced from Arab countries and, as New York is a champion of religious and human rights, we celebrate their enduring legacy and are inspired by their strength and courage throughout the centuries;

Now, Therefore, I, Eliot Spitzer, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim November 5-12, 2007 as Sephardi/Mizrahi Heritage Week in the Empire State to commemorate over 2,500 years of Jewish life in North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf region, and the rich history and heritage of the Jewish people.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this thirtieth day of October in the year two thousand seven.

Eliot Spitzer, Governor

Richard Baum, Secretary to the Governor