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District 10 Update: November 22, 2024

This past week, as a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, I have been meeting with all county departments as they present their accomplishments for the past year, goals for the next year, and budgetary needs for 2025. These meetings provide an invaluable opportunity to learn more about the incredible work and services each department and our amazing staff provide, while also assessing how we can improve services for our constituents.

I want to share a sobering insight from this week's presentations. During her update, our District Attorney shared statistics on hate crime investigations. I was saddened, though not entirely surprised, to learn that the number of antisemitic hate crime investigations in Westchester doubled in 2024. Alarmingly, antisemitic incidents outnumber those in the next highest category of hate crimes by a ratio of 7 to 1.

There's no simple solution to reducing hate and spreading tolerance, but it starts with recognizing our shared humanity. We all tend to connect more easily with those like us, but that's no excuse for fueling hate or harmful behavior toward others. Being different isn't bad—and no one likes to be judged, especially based on stereotypes. The truth is, stereotypes touch us all, and one day, it could be you defending yourself against unfair judgment.

If you witness or experience a hate incident, I encourage you to report it to our Human Rights Commission—even if it doesn't rise to the level of a crime. Awareness is the first step toward healing and progress.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I am grateful to live in such a diverse community as District 10. Let's strive to embrace and celebrate our differences, using them as a source of strength rather than division. Until then, I wish you all a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving. There will be no newsletter next week due to the holiday, but I look forward to reconnecting with you soon! If you miss me next week please feel free to catch up on my prior newsletters.

For more news and updates on upcoming events, please see my weekly update below.

Sincerely,

Judah Holstein
Legislator, 10th District

New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade

The New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade is on its 60th year! The parade will be taking place on Saturday, November 23rd at 10 a.m. along North Avenue. There will be balloons, floats, and groups from the community marching in it.

image with turkey and text

Westchester County Board of Legislators Celebrates
Albanian-American Heritage Month

On Monday, the Westchester County Board of Legislators hosted a celebration honoring Albanian-American Heritage Month and recognized two outstanding individuals whose contributions to our communities are truly invaluable, Hon. Joseph J. DioGuardi, the first Albanian American voting member of the U.S. Congress, and Angjelina Nika, a celebrated Albanian folk dancer and choreographer. Read More

L – R Leg. Emiljana Ulaj, Hon. Joseph J. DioGuardi, Chairman Vedat Gashi; Minority Leader Margaret Cunzio, Angjelina Nika, Chairman Vedat Gashi with Albanian Dancers

Westchester's Winter Wonderland Returns

Westchester's Winter Wonderland Drive-thru Holiday Light Extravaganza returns to Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, offering an unforgettable and affordable holiday experience for the whole family! Open most days from Saturday, November 23, through Tuesday, December 31, the event features dazzling light displays, including a 125-foot pixel wall, the enchanting Ice Queen, and stories brought to life via the OtoCast App. Tickets are $37 per car, and reservations are required. Special themed nights like Taylor 'Swiftie' Night on Nov. 27 and Princess Night on Dec. 4 add to the magic. For tickets and details, visit www.wwinterwonderland.com.

Pciture of holiday lights and text

Westchester County's Annual Holiday Gift Drive

image of snowmen and text

The Drive runs through Monday, December 16, collecting gifts and monetary donations to provide a brighter holiday for more than 1,000 children in Westchester who are in foster care, the homeless system, and receiving other protective and preventive social services. 

There are six drop box locations throughout Westchester, accessible during business hours, where new, unwrapped toys, appropriate for newborns through 21-year-olds can be donated. (Please, no stuffed animals or violent toys.) Learn More


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