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Mother of hostage and rare disease advocates recognized at Assembly session
Summary
Members welcomed Mary Ben Ami, mother of hostage Yosef Ohana, and visitors from the National Organization for Rare Disorders on Rare Disease Day; Weider urged collective action and asked members to remember the hostages. The Assembly also welcomed community leaders and former members.
On the Assembly floor, Mister Weider introduced Mary Ben Ami, who is visiting to raise awareness about her son, Yosef Ohana, and other hostages. Weider recounted the family's suffering and asked members to mark the passage of time: "I ask you to count till 508," he said, citing the number of days Yosef has been held.
The chamber also received visitors from the National Organization for Rare Disorders in recognition of Rare Disease Day (Feb. 28). Mister McDonald noted that nearly 10,000 diseases are classified as rare and that about "1 in 10 New Yorkers are impacted by a family member with rare disease," and he highlighted a recently passed resolution supporting awareness efforts.
Members also welcomed former Assembly member Rafael Espinal and former NBA player Jason Williams, who was introduced in relation to his Rebound recovery program that combines adventure therapy with job training and placement for people in recovery.
