Recognizing and Honoring HIAS and Council Migration Services of Philadelphia, and its 2009 Honorees, for Outstanding and Inspirational Work in support of Philadelphia's immigrant community.

WHEREAS,

HIAS and Council Migration Service of Philadelphia, a partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, was founded in 1882 in order to ensure that refugees and immigrants to Philadelphia have support to adapt to their new environment, and gain permanent residency and citizenship in the United States; and

WHEREAS,

HIAS and Council Migration Service of Philadelphia have provided assistance to over 302,000 refugees and immigrants from throughout the City of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley; and

WHEREAS,

The “Dancing Without Borders: A Celebration of Cultures,” will be held on April 21, 2009, and will honor the work of the late Sharon Ash, Lynne Fox, The law firm of Cozen and O’Connor, the Samuel S. Fels Fund and Helen Cunningham; and

WHEREAS,

Sharon Ash was a past President, fundraising chair and volunteer of HIAS and Council Migration Service of Philadelphia. Under her stewardship, the organization grew in size and expanded its services to a diverse population; and

WHEREAS,

Lynne Fox is a tenacious labor leader, who is the daughter of immigrants including a holocaust survivor, and has contributed her skills as an advocate for the immigrant workers in UNITE HERE; and

WHEREAS,

The Philadelphia law firm Cozen and O’Connor have provided pro bono representation to asylum seekers and immigrant groups to ensure access to justice; and

WHEREAS,

Samuel S. Fels was a Philadelphia civic leader and a founder of HIAS and Council Migration Services, and the Samuel S. Fels Fund and Helen Cunningham continue to support new Philadelphians from all backgrounds; and

WHEREAS,

Philadelphia is home to a wonderful mosaic of immigrants. New Americans who settle in Philadelphia go on to achieve great success in cultural, civic, business, academic and professional endeavors; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED THAT,

The Philadelphia City Council hereby congratulates and honors HIAS and Council Migration Service of Philadelphia, as well as the inspirational work of Honorees Sharon Ash, Lynne Fox, the law firm of Cozen and O’Connor, the Samuel S. Fels Fund and Helen Cunningham. We applaud and support the work of HIAS and Council Migration Services, and join the family members and colleagues of the Honorees in applauding their achievements and contributions made to the City of Philadelphia. We anticipate the continued success of HIAS and Council Migration Services.

FURTHER RESOLVED,

That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to HIAS and Council Migration Service of Philadelphia, the family and friends of Sharon Ash, Lynne Fox, and the law firm of Cozen and O’Connor, the Samuel S. Fels Fund and Helen Cunningham as a sincere expression of City Council’s deep appreciation and gratitude.

End