WHITE PLAINS, NY (November 21, 2025) — Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins led a delegation of elected and public officials on a study trip to Israel to better understand the region’s complex issues.
The visit, Jenkins’ fourth to the country, aimed to strengthen cultural understanding, explore collaboration opportunities and deepen connections between Westchester County and Israeli communities.
The delegation met with Israeli leaders, community organizations and residents for firsthand insights into the region’s history, religion, economy and diverse cultural and social landscape.
The delegation included Westchester County Legislators Emiljana Ulaj of District 98, Judah Holstein of District 10 representing New Rochelle, New York State Assembly Member J. Gary Pretlow of District 89 representing Mount Vernon and Yonkers, Mayor Vivian McKenzie of Peekskill, Councilwoman Gina Jackson of the Town of Greenburgh, Council Member Martha Lopez of the City of New Rochelle, Town Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney of the Town of Mamaroneck, Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman of the Town of Yorktown, Mayor Luis Marino of the Village of Port Chester, Peekskill Councilmember Patrick Jenkins of the City of Peekskill Common Council, Peekskill Councilmember Crystal Collins of the City of Peekskill Common Council, Senior Advisor for Intergovernmental Relations Steve Bass of the Office of the Westchester County Executive, Executive Director Elliot Forchheimer of the Westchester Jewish Council, Peekskill Councilmember Tami Arnowitz of the City of Peekskill Common Council, Civic and Community Leader Carol McTygue Lachterman of Yorktown and Community Organizer and Civic Leader Tali Ruderman Strom of Westchester.
Jenkins said: “I was honored to be asked to lead the Westchester delegation of elected and public officials on the study trip to Israel. Our journey to Israel offered a meaningful chance to build connections — both with the people who live there, and with each other. We now have a deeper understanding of the cultural, political and economic dynamics in the region, while also strengthening our relationships as colleagues committed to serving the people of Westchester. Experiences like this one help us to lead with greater awareness, compassion, and connection with others. To witness firsthand the work being done to find a way to co-exist in peace by the people experiencing it sends a powerful message of hope that can be carried back here in Westchester.”
The trip was sponsored by the Westchester Jewish Council and included meetings with Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Adir Schwartz and members of the U.S. Embassy.
Delegates visited Sderot to learn about the October 7 attack and Tel Aviv to reflect on Israelis’ resilience in communities along the Gaza border.
They took a walking tour through Jerusalem’s Old City featuring Jewish, Christian and Muslim quarters.
The group visited the Max Rayne Yad B’Yad (Hand in Hand) K-12 Jerusalem School where Jewish and Muslim children learn in a bilingual Hebrew and Arabic program together.
Delegates also toured Yad Vashem, Israel’s largest national memorial to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
Director of Intergovernmental Relations Steve Bass said: “This trip offered an invaluable opportunity to observe the complex, resilient and above all, inspiring experience of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities that make up the State of Israel. Hearing directly from local leaders and residents gave us a more grounded perspective on the challenges they navigate every day, and the solutions they are creating to integrate and live peacefully together. I am grateful for the chance to help strengthen ties with our closest international ally, and promote greater understanding about the special relationship between our country and Israel.”
Director of Policy and Programs for the Faith Community Crystal Collins said: “As a Black Christian woman visiting Israel, I am deeply moved by the rich tapestry of history and faith that intertwines in this land. This journey has opened my eyes to the unique challenges faced by the diverse communities coexisting in this vibrant country, especially amid ongoing conflict. I believe that through dialogue and understanding, we can build connections that honor both our differences and our shared humanity. I hope to share the insights I gained and continue engaging in meaningful conversations that advocate for peace.”
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
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