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Westchester County, New York, home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the United States, has unwaveringly supported its Jewish community amidst the sharp rise in antisemitism following the October 7th massacre. Moving past empty promises and hollow rhetoric, elected leaders in Westchester County have taken concrete action to assert their solidarity with the Jewish community and ensure that local governments stand firmly against antisemitism.
In June 2021, the Town of New Castle became the first municipality in Westchester County to officially adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, the global “gold standard” for defining incidents of contemporary antisemitism. Westchester County itself adopted the IHRA Working Definition in December 2022.
Following the most devastating slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust on October 7th, a report by the Antisemitism Research Center (ARC) by CAM found that recorded antisemitic incidents reached an all-time high last year. Amid this alarming reality, local governments in Westchester County have continued to stand by their Jewish neighbors, as evidenced by the County’s statement in support of Israel on October 10, 2023.
In January, after a local Jewish-owned ice cream shop was vandalized with the words “Genocide Supporter,” the community rallied together to combat hate. Westchester County has continued to celebrate its Jewish community members and stand with them against this surge in antisemitism. This May, the County publicly commemorated Jewish American Heritage Month and celebrated the contributions of Jewish community members.
Working with former New Castle Town Supervisor and Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) Chief Government Affairs Officer Lisa Katz, the localities of Ossining and North Salem, located in Westchester County, unanimously passed resolutions on May 14, 2024 officially adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism and observing Jewish American Heritage Month. Rye Town joined these other two localities in unanimously adopting resolutions celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month and embracing the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism two days later on May 16, 2024.
The Town Council of Rye, New York Meeting on May 16, 2024. Photo: Town of Rye Website
“As we face a troubling rise in antisemitism, it’s more important than ever for our communities to stand united. By adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism and actively supporting our Jewish neighbors, these Westchester County municipalities are not just speaking out against hate, but taking meaningful action to ensure that all residents feel safe and valued,” said Katz.
Despite the dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents recorded globally, true allies of the Jewish community reveal themselves in times of crisis. The elected officials of Westchester County and its localities have shown themselves to be true allies as they stand shoulder to shoulder with their Jewish residents, celebrating their heritage and pushing back against the blight of bigotry.
