Connecting with Elected Officials

JANUARY 2023 – IHRA ADOPTED IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY

County Executive George Latimer issued an Executive Order  on adopting IHRA in Westchester County.

                                   January 17, 2023

Dear Friend,

In recent meetings with leaders of the Jewish Community in Westchester County as well as at numerous community events, we have discussed the disturbing increase in acts and expressions of anti-Semitism.

It is very important to me that all County residents speak forcefully and with one voice in denouncing these acts. To that end, I am proud to share that I have signed an Executive Order that calls on all County officials, departments, staff and boards and commissions to accept the IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism and utilize this definition to prevent harassment and discrimination.

This strong statement shows that hate of any kind has no home in Westchester County. I appreciate your leadership and partnership on this important issue.

George Latimer

Westchester County Executive

 

Pictured – Board of Legislators 2021

The Council is the Jewish community’s link to our County’s elected officials, and the County government in turn uses Council resources to communicate with the Jews of Westchester. Programs include the celebration of Westchester’s Jewish History and Heritage Month (sponsored by the Westchester County Board of Legislators), the annual Westchester Legislative Breakfast (co-sponsored with UJA-Federation of New York) as well as other events with our elected officials.

• On Friday, October 8th, 2021 County Executive George Latimer signed into law the important Anti-Discriminatory Harrassment Bill, legislation that expands the type of harassment that can be prosecuted under the law. We were honored to be a part of the signing ceremony, as well as working with our wonderful partnering local elected and public officials in developing this new bill.

You can watch the bill signing by clicking here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1upItyF7v8.

Click humanrightslaw2021 to read the bill in its entirety.

• In 2019, the Legislative Breakfast was held at Temple Israel Center of White Plains with keynote speaker New York State Attorney General, Letitia James.

PROCLAMATION FROM ANDREA STEWART-COUSINS

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