J 960: Honoring Farahnaz Rahimzada for special recognition for 20 years of dedication and commitment to the Ahavat Shalom Synagogue

 Senate Resolution No. 960 BY: Senator MARTINS HONORING Farahnaz Rahimzada for special recognition for 20 years of dedication and commitment to the Ahavat Shalom Synagogue WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves through their exemplary accomplishments and purposeful lives of service to their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Farahnaz Rahimzada for special recognition for 20 years of dedication and commitment to the Ahavat Shalom Synagogue in Great Neck, New York, to be celebrated on Wednesday, May 14, 2025; and WHEREAS, Within every community, there are inevitably some individuals who, by virtue of their energy, vision, and dedication, command the greatest respect among their friends, colleagues, and community; Farahnaz Rahimzada is one such individual; and WHEREAS, Born in Tehran, Iran, to a traditional family, Farahnaz Rahimzada is the youngest of three children; at the age of 18, she and her family left everything behind in the wake of the Iranian Revolution and moved to Israel where she pursued a degree in computer science at Tel Aviv University; and WHEREAS, Farahnaz Rahimzada later moved to the United States, where she married Daniel Rahimzada, and together they built a warm, loving home; they raised five children, Jonathan, Nathaniel, Ariel, Aviv, and Maytal, with their values of kindness, strength, and dedication; and WHEREAS, While devoted to her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, Farahnaz Rahimzada has always been deeply committed to community service and serving others with quiet determination; and WHEREAS, In the early 2000s, seeing a need in her community, Farahnaz Rahimzada founded the Senior Program at Ahavat Shalom Synagogue; for some time, she personally drove more than 20 elderly women to and from the program each Wednesday morning; years later, she succeeded in arranging formal transportation through a local bus service; and WHEREAS, To this day, Farahnaz Rahimzada continues to organize and lead every detail of the Ahavat Shalom Senior Program, including meals, music, holiday events, exercise sessions, raffles, games, and personal gifts; remarkably, she rarely misses a week; when she absolutely must, she personally arranges for someone in her stead so the women are never without support or connection; and WHEREAS, For the past 16 years, Farahnaz Rahimzada has also led a remarkable initiative in which the senior participants knit winter clothing for orphaned children, bringing purpose and connection to both givers and recipients; and WHEREAS, In addition to her work with the seniors, Farahnaz Rahimzada regularly delivers food and essentials to low-income families and elderly individuals throughout the community; her dedication and selflessness are reflected in the thoughtful way she supports others and deeply felt by all who know her; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend individuals of outstanding character, who have shown initiative and commitment to leadership, to be emulated by the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Farahnaz Rahimzada for special recognition for 20 years of dedication and commitment to the Ahavat Shalom Synagogue; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Farahnaz Rahimzada.