District 10 Update: March 21, 2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,  Over the past week, I had the privilege of attending a series of events throughout Westchester County that reinforced the importance of being an ally. True allyship requires us to engage with different communities, experience their traditions, listen to their stories and histories, and work together to address shared challenges. Last week, Iona University and the American Jewish Committee of Westchester and Fairfield Counties hosted the "Shared Roots, Divergent Paths" series, featuring the program "Neither Rejected nor Accursed: Catholic Responsibility to Counter Antisemitism." Participants engaged in meaningful interfaith dialogue, exploring the unique perspectives and experiences of the Christian and Jewish communities. On Tuesday, I attended an Iftar event, celebrating the breaking of the fast of Ramadan at the Upper Westchester Muslim Society in Pleasantville. The Chair of the Board of Legislators, Vedat Gashi, graciously invited me and my board colleagues to take part in this beautiful tradition. I was truly grateful for the opportunity to celebrate with Westchester's Muslim community. On Wednesday, the leadership of the American Jewish Committee presented to the Board's Labor and Human Rights Committee, sharing their research on the rising threat of antisemitism and urging our support in combating this growing issue. Their survey revealed that one in four Jewish individuals has personally experienced antisemitism — a deeply troubling statistic. Similar findings are highlighted in the documentary film October 8, which I highly encourage you to watch. As a society, we must do better to stand against all forms of hate and bigotry. Too often, human nature keeps us within the familiar "bubble" of our own friends and families. But one of the most rewarding aspects of my role as your County Legislator is the opportunity to connect with and truly get to know the many diverse communities that make Westchester such a special place to live. I encourage all of us to step outside of our comfort zones, build meaningful relationships, and recognize that despite our differences in background, experiences, or faith we are far more alike than we realize. For more news and updates on upcoming events, please see my weekly update below. Sincerely, Judah Holstein Legislator, 10th District Eastchester Summer Camp Registration Opens March 22nd! Mark your calendars! Eastchester Parks and Recreation summer camp registration begins Saturday, March 22nd. A variety of exciting programs for children of all ages are being offered. View complete program details here and be ready to secure your child's spot by registering here when registration opens. Join Us for the Next Board of Legislators' Meeting Please join us on Monday, March 24, 2025 before our regular board meeting for our annual celebration of Women's History Month, streaming live from the BOL Chamber at 7 PM.  We are proud to be recognizing two outstanding individuals, Kate Pringle, attorney and nonprofit leader serving as Chair of Bread for the World's Board and Suki van Dijk, author, activist, and long-time member of the Westchester County Women's Advisory Board. At the regular board meeting, three public hearings will be held on: A proposed Local Law adding Chapter 637 to require notification to the Department of Emergency Services of Battery Energy Storage Systems by local municipalities in the County of Westchester. More Info Review of proposed modifications and recommendations to Agricultural District No. 1, as submitted by the Westchester County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board. More Info A proposed Local Law to enter into an intermunicipal agreement with the City of Yonkers to lease certain property, and contribute $15 MILLION dollars toward construction, improvements & remediation work to create a riverfront park in Yonkers. More Info Learn how to watch or speak here. NYS Office for New Americans Webinar: Immigration Fraud and the Unauthorized Practice of Law What Is It & How To Report It Join this webinar on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:30 PM to gain insights into immigration fraud and the unauthorized practice of law in New York State. Learn about the challenges of reporting, investigating, and prosecuting fraud, and discover practical tips to help prevent immigration scams. Click here for more details and to register. Two Months Left to Apply for the Renew America's Nonprofits Grant Program! Eligible nonprofit organizations across New York State can apply for subrecipient grants of up to $200,000 for energy-efficiency building upgrades. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Sustainable Westchester is supporting nonprofits in implementing high-impact energy efficiency improvements, including heat pumps, insulation, weatherization, and lighting upgrades. Nonprofits that own their buildings in New York State and require energy conservation improvements are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is May 1, 2025. Propel NY Energy Information Sessions On behalf of the New York Power Authority, Propel Energy will be hosting information sessions about an underground electric transmission project. Each session will include a presentation followed by Q&A. Upcoming sessions: April 9th at 6pm: Tuckahoe Community Center April 10th from 6-8pm: Virtual session For more information or to register for the virtual session, visit http://bit.ly/PropelNY_ Westchester.