District 10 Update: September 26, 2025

I originally planned to skip my personal eNews message this week since I am spending time out of town with my family celebrating Rosh Hashanah. But something happened while I was away that has changed my mind. As I was browsing social media, I noticed a friend posting hateful rhetoric on his wall. In this particular case, the content was focused on Zionism, but it echoed the same kind of language I have seen directed at other groups. The thing that struck me about this post was that it was an example of how coarse, mean-spirited, and simplistic too much of our political dialogue has become.  Here is how I responded, and I wanted to share it with you: You've heard the lines. "They're killing children." "They're eating cats and dogs." "They're taking our jobs." "They're all criminals, gang members, drug dealers, cartel operatives." It doesn't matter if someone came here legally or illegally, if they've lived here for decades or were born here. If they look the part, sound the part, or even come from the "wrong" neighborhood, the label gets slapped on: "illegal". And with that label comes a whole script – dangerous, evil, an enemy that must be removed. An enemy that isn't even human. It's easier that way. Easier to tell ourselves there's a single group to blame for every problem, easier to imagine that the people we've dehumanized are all the same. The rage economy kicks in. Crowds get worked up. Politicians score points. Social media feeds explode. And suddenly the accusations don't even need to be real – they just need to be repeated until people stop questioning them. But here's what's really happening. It's the same playbook that has been used countless times in history to foster hate. Communists, Homosexuals, Trans people, people with disabilities, Hispanic people, African American people, Muslims, Asians, Jews and so many others throughout history. And now "Zionist". The same pattern: a single word turns millions of people into villains. "Zionist" becomes shorthand for "murderer," "child-killer," "ethnic cleanser." No room for nuance, no space for thought, no acknowledgment of complexity. Just an easy scapegoat that lets outrage feel righteous.  In addition to claiming that he knew better than Jewish people what a "real Jew" is, a statement which would rightfully be considered wildly offensive if directed at other ethnic groups, he claimed anyone who was a Zionist is celebrating the death of children and is not a "real Democrat." Just to be clear, a Zionist is someone who believes that Jews, like any other people, have the right to self-governance and a national homeland, in Israel. Zionists do not automatically support every action of the Israeli government, just like Patriots don't automatically support every action of the US government.  I expressed my disappointment as respectfully as I could. In response to his claim that my views meant that I am not in fact a "real Democrat", I responded that the "real Democrats" I know don't use labels to treat people with disrespect or disdain simply for who they are. Instead they stand up for the rights of those who are being falsely flagged as scapegoats. That's what I have worked hard to do during my tenure as a public servant. That's what I will continue to do.  My hope for the year ahead is that we recommit to building bridges, supporting one another, and finding common ground so that our communities grow stronger together. Turning back to our work here at home, check out my weekly update below, which includes information on the following: District 10 Events Upcoming Board of Legislators Meeting – September 29 2025 Budget Public Input Sessions– Sep. 29 & Oct. 7 Senior Law Day Planned for October 9 Scared by the Sound Returns to Playland October 10 Weekend Fun in Westchester Parks Maximum Weekly Unemployment Benefit Rising to $869 in October Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter! Sincerely, Judah Holstein Legislator, 10th District District 10 Events   Eastchester: Participants may enter the 12th annual 5K race to support Eastchester High School and the Eastchester Eagles Sports Club, on 9/28 at 9:00 am. Register at www.Eastchester5k.org.    Eastchester/Tuckahoe: NY Presbyterian is offering free flu vaccinations on 10/3 from 10 am to 3pm at Bronxville Courtroom at Village Hall (200 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville). Shots will also be offered 10/23 at Eastchester Public Library. Call the Flu Shot Hotline for more info: 914-787-6060. New Rochelle: NY Hispanic American Law Enforcement Officers (H.A.L.E.O.) presents its Gala of Heroes Celebration, on October 3 at 7:00 pm, at Greentree Country Club, in New Rochelle.  Wear formal attire, and purchase tickets at NYHALEO.org.   Tuckahoe/Eastchester: The Lions Club presents its 3rd annual Clothing Drive, on October 11, from 10am to 12:30 pm. Drop-offs can be made at 40 Mill Rd. in Eastchester. See telions1925@gmail.com for more information. Join Us for the Next Board of Legislators Meeting – September 29   Please join us on Monday, September 29, 2025, before the regular board meeting, for our annual celebration of Hispanic American Heritage Month. The event will be streamed live from the BOL chamber at 7 PM. We are proud to honor San Andrés Episcopal Food Pantry, a critical community nourishment source for generations of Yonkers's residents, and Chief Louis "Fredo" Sanchez, Ossining's first Hispanic American fire chief—a lifelong public servant and tireless community leader. At the regular board meeting, one public hearing will be held to consider:  A proposed local law which would create civil penalties for people who evade fares on the County's Bee-Line bus system. More Info Learn how to watch or speak here. 2025 Budget Public Input Sessions Westchester County invites residents to share their priorities for County programs and services at two upcoming budget public input sessions. Monday, September 29, 4–6 PM Yonkers Public Library, 1 Larkin Center, Yonkers, NY 10701   Tuesday, October 7, 4–6 PM Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 E Main Street, Mount Kisco, NY 10549 Your feedback will help shape the 2026 budget. Learn More Senior Law Day Planned for October 9   Senior Law Day is a free annual event that provides older Westchester residents with access to resources and advice on elder law and related topics. Learn More Scared by the Sound Returns to Playland October 10   Playland Park is set to transform into Westchester's ultimate haunted destination when Scared by the Sound returns Friday, October 10. Guests can expect terrifying thrills, haunted walkthroughs, and spooky surprises as the region's premier Halloween attraction makes its highly anticipated comeback. Learn More Weekend Fun in Westchester Parks   Looking for outdoor fun this weekend? On Saturday, kids can read with animals at Muscoot Farm's Book Buddies, hear stories and make crafts at Lasdon Park, or enjoy story time around a campfire at Cranberry Lake. Families can take part in nature sketching at Marshlands, explore fall ecosystems at Ward Pound Ridge, or join farm-to-table cooking classes at Hilltop Hanover. Other highlights include a scavenger hunt at Lenoir Preserve, birdwatching at Edith Read, the Lasdon Green Squad volunteer program, and comedy at the County Center. On Sunday, check out the Westchester County Car Show at Glen Island Park, practice yoga at Lasdon, shop the Muscoot Farmers Market, or cycle the scenic route on the Bronx River Parkway during Bicycle Sunday. You can also learn about the lifecycle of swallowtail butterflies at Edith Read.  Learn More Maximum Weekly Unemployment Benefit Rising to $869 in October   New York's maximum weekly unemployment benefit is set to increase from $504 to $869 starting in October 2025, following the state's payoff of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Trust Fund debt and passage of the 2026 budget. This increase aims to provide stronger support for unemployed workers and reflects the current higher cost of living. The $504 cap had been in place since 2020.