Last month, Federation's Israel Center Director, Shaul Amir, was presented with a Proclamation from the Colorado State Senate.

The Proclamation, presented by Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, commends Amir's "contributions and outstanding achievements as Israel Director of Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado." Fitz-Gerald and other Senators in attendance spoke about how their trip to Israel with Amir and Federation impacted their lives.

Amir, who has worked for the Federation for over four years will be relocate to his homeland of Israel in June 2007. His work and contributions to the local Jewish community and State of Israel were noticed by many. Amir was also presented with a letter of appreciation from Colorado Governor Bill Ritter at the Denver Jewish Festival and Walk for Israel on May 6. Jeannie Ritter was in attendance when the letter was presented to Amir.

"Shaul taught me and many others so much about the State of Israel during his tenure at Federation," said Doug Seserman, President and CEO of Federation. "We are proud of Shaul and will miss him terribly."

The Proclamation was presented to Amir during a State Senate meeting on April 23. Teary-eyed Amir was surprised and left speechless. "I was completely humbled and in awe by the Proclamation," said Amir following the meeting. "I am so honored and believe this is important for the State of Israel because it is evidence that the ties between Colorado and Israel are continuously growing stronger."

Amir's replacement will be Raz Arbel from Ramat Negev, Israel who will relocate to Denver and begin the role as Israel Center Director at Federation on August 1.