K 335: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim July 23, 2025, as Egyptian Heritage Day in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 335 BY: M. of A. Rajkumar MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim July 23, 2025, as Egyptian Heritage Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its time-honored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim July 23, 2025, as Egyptian Heritage Day in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, The Arab Republic of Egypt is a great ally of our State and Nation, sharing deep economic, social, and cultural ties; and WHEREAS, Egypt is the second-largest recipient of American foreign aid, representing our Nation's profound appreciation of our diplomatic relationship; and WHEREAS, The friendly relationship between the United States and Egypt is visible in New York City, home to the Temple of Dendur at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Cleopatra's Needle in Central Park, both gifts from the Egyptian government; and WHEREAS, The United States is home to over 250,000 Egyptian Americans, who constitute the largest Arab American community in our Nation, and make immeasurable contributions to the arts, the STEM fields, business, philanthropy, academics, defense, sports, religion, and government; and WHEREAS, Over 30,000 Egyptian Americans live in our Great State, residing predominantly in New York City, where they have left an indelible imprint on every facet of life; and WHEREAS, The heart of New York's Egyptian American community is the beloved neighborhood of Little Egypt in Astoria, home to thriving businesses, including vibrant restaurants and hookah lounges; and WHEREAS, In appreciation of the Egyptian American community, in 2023, New York City co-named Steinway Street between Astoria Boulevard and 28th Avenue as "Little Egypt"; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to recognize such events of significance which foster ethnic pride and exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the fabric of the people and the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim July 23, 2025, as Egyptian Heritage Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York; the Consul General of Egypt, and various Egyptian organizations in the State of New York.