Westchester

Giffords: Hillary Clinton Will “Stand up to the Gun Lobby”

April 18, 2016 by Inside Press

— The (former) Congresswoman inspires Hillary Clinton Supporters during a 4/17 visit to Westchester for Hillary headquarters
— Captain Kelly urges voters to “deny the acceptance of failure.”

By Kristin Lore

Ahead of the New York Primary on Tuesday, April 19th, Westchester County is working hard to Get Out The Vote for Hillary Clinton.

The White Plains headquarters for the Clinton campaign was honored on Sunday afternoon to have Captain Mark Kelly and (former) Congresswoman Gabby Giffords on hand to inspire volunteers.

Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords in White Plains Photo by Jessica Meller — (Former) Congresswoman Gabby Giffords in White Plains Photo by Jessica Meller

Turning their personal tragedy* into action, they are as passionate about this election as they are about gun control.

Captain Kelly spoke about the progress that has been made under President Obama, “If we want progress to continue and not rolled back it is very clear that we need somebody that has a record of standing up to the gun lobby… and elections matter and Tuesday is a big day!”

As the crowd roared with applause and excitement he continued, “I often think of these elections like a rocket launch… it takes an army of people to prepare for that day…to have all the details in place and one of the details is what you guys are doing…getting people to get out and VOTE.”

Captain Kelly introduced Gabby to a crowd that yelled out, “we love you Gabby!” He described her as “somebody who continues to fight for all of us and reminds me every day to deny the acceptance of failure.”

(Former) Congresswoman Gabby Giffords with Captain Mark Kelly and Westchester field directors Izzy Bugatti (left) and Hannah Fine at the White Plains Westchester for Hillary headquarters Photo by Jessica Meller

As Gabby Giffords began to speak, she spoke loud and clear about her support of Hillary Clinton. “She will fight to make our families safer and she will stand up to the gun lobby.” She went on to say that speaking is hard for her but come November, “I want to say these two words, Madam President.”

Gabby and Mark graciously remained as long as it took to shake hands, take pictures and give hugs to every volunteer that filled the room.

Kristin Lore is a mother of three and a psychotherapist in private practice in Armonk, NY. She has a great passion for politics and volunteering on campaigns.

*On January 8, 2011, U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords and eighteen others were shot during a constituent meeting held in a supermarket parking lot in Casas Adobes, Arizona, in the Tucson metropolitan area. Source: Wikipedia

Leading up to the New York Primary

April 16, 2016 by The Inside Press

Produced by Grace Bennett

A brief look back at various events in Chappaqua and in Westchester surrounding Hillary’s historic run for the Democratic nomination…leading up to the New York primary.

A Visit to HGHS on the Campaign Trail

Hillary Clinton’s anticipated presence created such a buzz throughout the student body at Horace Greeley High School on Thursday, March 31, that it was tough to maintain the students’ focus and attention in class that day! But, can you blame them? It’s not every day that the former First Lady, Secretary of State, and current Democratic Presidential Candidate comes to their high school to speak in one of their social studies classes. It was a memory that I’m sure the students will never forget, as she walked through a maze of adoring students and teachers alike all craning necks to shake hands, share an encouraging anecdote of support, or snap a quick picture with their cell phones. –Timothy JH McHale (HGHS ’11, actor, and also substitute teacher in the Chappaqua Central School District)

“My Inspirer in Chief”…Kind Words of Support

“You are my inspirer-in-chief. You are that to many people in the United States and around the world.” Tracy Stein to Hillary Clinton preceding HRC’s talk to hundreds gathered at her home; an impromptu meeting with Clinton at Le Jardin du roi prompted Stein to pursue a Master’s degree in global affairs. “Human rights is my passion,” Stein noted. HRC opened her talk highlighting what’s at stake in November. “It really is one of these crossroads/consequential elections… it will set the stage for the next four to eight years–and probably for the next decade or two–in how we conduct ourselves as a nation, how we treat one another, what goals we set, how we lead and how we are viewed in the world.”

Marco Masotti and Tracy Stein before introducing Hillary Clinton

At SUNY: A Test for “Any Candidate”

Congresswoman Nita Lowey on the podium with HRC rallying supporters

You know, that moment when you actually MEET her! Randee Glazer, while volunteering

An early stop on the New York campaign trail included a rousing speech to SUNY Purchase students, faculty and supporters county wide. HRC included, as she has in many speeches during this campaign,
her criteria for the presidency: “One, can you deliver results that actually improve people’s lives? Two, can you keep us safe? That may be more personal for New Yorkers than other folks…and people who don’t know how to talk about it, who view it as an afterthought, have no business being in the Oval Office. And three, can you bring our country together?…”

Westchester for Hillary Opens!

The early April grand opening of the Westchester for Hillary headquarters at 188 Martine Avenue in White Plains has spurred a great deal of momentum for signing up and volunteering.

Volunteers from the grass roots Chappaqua Friends of Hill group offered hands on support and/or donated supplies.

Westchester field organizers Hannah Fine and Izzy Bugatti greet a volunteer at the White Plains HRC campaign headquarters grand opening.

Geri Shapiro, who held the position of Westchester County Regional Director for then Senator Hillary Clinton, rallying volunteers too.

Millennials Rally

michelle kwan 1 — While Bernie Sanders’ supporters may boast (justifiably) about widespread support among millennials for his campaign, the hundreds of thousands of millennials who support Hillary Clinton have been steadily rising above the radar. Olympic skater Michelle Kwan rallying a youthful gathering at the Royal in New York City.

A Friend in Carole King

April 15, 2016 by Inside Press

Article and Photos by Grace Bennett

After an appearance on Morning Joe, the much beloved singer-songwriter Carole King arrived in White Plains to rally delighted supporters on behalf of Hillary Clinton; she also lead those gathered in singing You’ve Got a Friend, a classic from her timeless Tapestry album.

King described once sitting at a table with Clinton impressed with “her breadth of knowledge” but also her expertise in communication. “She’s just so smart and explains things in a deep way but in an understandable way.”

King also noted Clinton’s skill in finding common ground from across the political aisle, specifically citing adoption legislation she passed together with Republican Tom DeLay, then the Senate Majority Leader. “She is going to do the right thing for the people she represents and she is not going to let anyone get away with doing what they’re doing wrong. And she has a record of doing that.”

Prior to King’s taking the mic, several public officials heaped praise on the recording superstar* and also rallied a group of supporters gathered by a private GOTV (Get Out the Vote) invitation to the Westchester for Hillary headquarters.

White Plains Mayor Tom Wolf, speaking of King: “The bar was set high for me and all of us to hear such beautiful music sung in such a genuine fashion,” he said. “When you hear a person singing words that matter, the effect on you is tremendous.”

Assembly woman Shelley-Mayer, who introduced King, said her music “changed our lives. She took our personal tales and made It a story of strength and confidence; we had a voice. The songwriting combined with singing awoke us to the power we have. Very few people in the history of songwriting have transformed generations.”

Congressman Eliot Engel after commending King for her activism for the environment, reminded everyone: “Every democratic Congress member in NY is supporting Hillary Clinton.

“Wherever she goes, she’s greeted like a rock star, because she is. Let’s make sure New York goes for Hillary by double digits, then it’s on to victory in Philadelphia.”

Finally, state Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins recalled Hillary Clinton’s support “when I first had the audacity to run for Senate. “Go figure, a little woman like me beating this guy who’d been in for 28 years.” She called on supporters to “just do the work. Be vigilant. We have to work every day untill we celebrate the victory.”

*King’s album “Tapestry” is still considered one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 25 million copies sold worldwide.

UJA-FEDERATION OF NEW YORK’S J-1-1 INFORMATION & REFERRAL CENTER CONNECTS THE NEW YORK JEWISH COMMUNITY WITH LOCAL PASSOVER SEDERS

April 4, 2016 by The Inside Press

Have-You-Ever-Attended-Passover-Seder

UJA-Federation of New York’s Find-a-Seder resource is back for 2016, listing pre-Passover celebrations and Seders on the first two nights of Passover at local community centers and synagogues of all denominations throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, and Westchester.

For more than 25 years, UJA-Federation’s J-1-1 Information and Referral Center has been working to match Jewish families with communal Seders in the area. This resource details more than 75 community Seders that are open to families looking to observe the tradition–rich holiday.

The list of Seders can be found here: http://www.ujafedny.org/passover/find-a-seder/.

Individuals or families looking to Find-a-Seder can contact UJA-Federation’s J-1-1 Information and Referral Center Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 877.852.6951 or J11@ujafedny.org. J-1-1 is a free information and referral service that connects the New York Jewish community with available programs and resources. Space for Passover Seders may be limited. Fees vary by venue, and not all venues offer a Seder on both nights. Please note that J-1-1 will be closed starting at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 22, 2016, and will be closed all day on Friday, April 29, 2016. UJA-Federation of New York is working to make the Jewish holidays a warm and welcoming experience for all.

About UJA-Federation of New York
For nearly 100 years, UJA-Federation has inspired New Yorkers to act on their values and invest in our community for the biggest impact. Through UJA-Federation, more than 50,000 donors address issues that matter most to them, pooling their resources to care for New Yorkers of all backgrounds and Jews everywhere, to connect people to their Jewish communities, and to respond to crises close to home and around the globe. Working with nearly 100 beneficiary agencies, synagogues, and other Jewish organizations, UJA-Federation is the world’s largest local philanthropy; our reach spans from New York to Israel to more than 70 other countries around the world, touching 4.5 million people each year. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, please visit our website at www.ujafedny.org.

William H. Donat Shoah Commemoration and Distinguished Lecture

April 4, 2016 by The Inside Press

Date: April 14, 2016Time: 7:30 pm

Location: Iona College
715 North Avenue
Thomas J. Burke Lounge, Spellman Hall
New Rochelle, NY 10801

Contact: Julie ScalleroPhone: 914.696.0738Email: jscallero@hhrecny.org

Jewish and Muslim Responses:
Religious Cooperation and Crisis from
the time of the Holocaust to the Present

Dr. Mehnaz Afridi
Assistant Professor of Religious Studies Holocaust, Genocide & Interfaith Education Center Director Manhattan College

Dr. Mehnaz Afridi will discuss the relationship between Jews and Muslims during and after the Holocaust. She will discuss both the issue of antisemitism and anti-Muslim sentiment in Europe and America. From Charlie Hebdo’s murders in France to the Paris and San Bernardino shootings – there has been a lot of discussion on religious freedom and Jewish-Muslim relations globally. Dr. Afridi will further discuss how this has impacted Jewish-Muslim relations today in light of contemporary events.

Presentation of the Susan J. Goldberg Memorial Teacher Award

Free and Open to the Public

About Mehnaz Afridi

Mehnaz Afridi is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Director of Holocaust, Genocide, and Interfaith Education Center at Manhattan College. She is committed to interfaith work, contemporary Islam and Holocaust education. Her articles have appeared in edited books such as Sacred Tropes: Tanakh, New Testament, and Qur’an as Literature and Culture, (Brill, 2006), Not Your father’s Anti-Semitism: Hatred of the Jews in the 21st Century (Paragon House, 2008). Her recent articles include “Gurdwara Sikh Killings: Domestic or Global Taxonomy of Terrorism?” in Sikh Formations (Francis & Taylor, 2013) and “The Role of Muslims and the Holocaust” in Oxford Handbooks Online, (Oxford University Press, 2014).Nostalgia and Memory in Jewish-Muslim Encounters (Cross Currents Volume 65, 2015), in the “Die Sonnenblume,”Ed. Nicola Jungsberger, Europaverlagberlin, Germany, (2015) and in Collaboration Through Acknowledging the Shoah, “Judaism, Christianity and Islam: Collaboration and Conflict” University of Hong Kong Press (2014). She is the co-editor ofOrhan Pamuk and Global Literature: Existentialism and Politics (May 2012, Palgrave Macmillan), and she is working on her forthcoming book, Shoah through Muslim Eyes (Academic Studies Press, 2016).

For more information, contact:

Dr. Elena Procario-Foley
914.637.2744
eprocariofoley@iona.edu

Julie Scallero
914.696.0738
jscallero@hhrecny.org

Westchester

Giffords: Hillary Clinton Will “Stand up to the Gun Lobby”