Things To Do, Shop and Eat In Beacon Guides 10/11/2024
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Jews In The Hudson Valley Dedicate Tashlich Ritual To Call For Arms Embargo On Israel
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On Sunday, October 6th, 2024, Jewish Voice for Peace Hudson Valley organized a Tashlich ritual "to acknowledge the horrors of the past year, and to take action together to end the genocide" at Kingston Point Park on Delaware Avenue. They explain: "Tashlich is a ritual 'casting off' to help us repent, reject and begin to repair harm done in our names." All were welcome to participate in this ritual.
Little sale boat that reads “FREE PALESTINE” on the sail.
Photo Credit: JVPHV
Tashlich is a customary Jewish atonement ritual performed at the beginning of Rosh Hashanah. The ritual is performed, if possible, at a large body of flowing water. During the Tashlich prayer, participants throw their sins into the water.
Some in the group paddled out canoes with a large sign that read "ARMS EMBARGO," while others floated little sail boats with "FREE PALESTINE" typed onto the sails.
Photo Credit: JVPHV
Said Jewish Voice For Peace Hudson Valley of the event: "Community came together today to 'cast off' and mourn the past year of horrors that Israel and U.S. are carrying out against the people of Palestine. We recommit ourselves to escalating our efforts and mobilizing to end the genocide. We say 'not in our name' and call for an ARMS EMBARGO NOW!"
Photo Credit: JVPHV
Photo Credit: JVPHV
Rombout Middle School Principal Soltish Responds To Injury Of Fallen 6th Grader During Hike Up/Down Mount Beacon
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At 4:13pm, Rombout Middle School Principal Brian Soltish sent an update families in the Beacon City School District about the child who fell while coming down Mount Beacon on the planned school hike. Ever the updater while hosting kids on a school trip, here is what he said:
“I just wanted to make you aware and/or update you about an injury that occurred on the way down the mountain today. One of our 6th grade students fell on the trail while we were walking down the mountain. We had staff that immediately rendered care and called 911. We assisted BVAC to help the student down the mountain on a UTV. The student went by ambulance to Memorial Park where he boarded a helicopter with his parent to Westchester Medical Center out of precaution.
“We are aware that some of the students may have seen the student on the trail or saw the helicopter in the park. I am sharing this information with the permission of the family as we want you to know that the injuries do not appear to be serious.”
Sincerely,
Brian Soltish
Indeed, many people in the community saw the helicopter fly overhead. And some parents were updated by their middle school students who had learned of the incident from their friends who were on the hiking trip. Additionally, there sere scanner reports of what aid was rendered by first responders.
The Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps has prided itself in its UTV which has been used to transport hikers off the mountain who fall into distress over the years. The Beacon Ambulance Corps is self-funded, and donations can be made here to ensure they have the equipment they need in all situations.
Beacon 6th Grader Falls On Mt. Beacon During School Hike And Is Airlifted to Hospital With Multiple Injuries
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According to some 6th grade students of the Beacon City School District who texted their friends with the news, a 6th grader fell while hiking on Mount Beacon during the planned school hiking trip on Friday, October 4th, hit their head, and was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital.
Update 10/4/2024: Rombout Middle School Principal Brian Solish emailed District families two hours after the incident, with permission from the student’s family, to confirm that Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps (BVAC) transported the student off the mountain by UTV to an ambulance, which took the student to Memorial Park, which took them with their parent by helicopter to Westchester Medical Center “out of precaution,” he said.
During the afternoon at around 3pm, neighbors spotted a helicopter flying over Beacon from the direction of Memorial Park. As reported on the Dutchess County Scanner Facebook Group, a Helicopter Landing Zone was set up at Memorial Park for the Beacon Volunteer Corps & Ambulanz who responded to Mount Beacon’s Red Trail “with a fallen pediatric hiker with head, shoulder & leg injuries as well as exposure concerns.” According to the report, it took approximately 30 minutes to get the student off the Mountain and 20 minutes for Helicopter Landing.
According to MidHudson news, the child is 11 years old, and the rescue effort also involved the Beacon Fire Department, Beacon Medic 1, DEC, and others at approximately 2:30 p.m.
If more details become available, this article will be updated.
Hocus Pocus Halloween Parade Details For 2024 - It's A Weekend Event!
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You’ve been asking, and ALBB can confirm, a Halloween Parade Weekend is happening in Beacon. Sponsored and organized by Gatehouse Realty, which is connected to COMPASS, this event is an extension of the spirit of Halloween Parades in years past, where businesses participate to hand out candy to kids. Only this year (as with last year), there is a Seek and Find game involved with prizes.
Halloweekend Event Schedule
All are welcome to dress up in costume and walk down Main Street.
Friday, October 25th, 2024
3-6pm
Main Street Trick of Treating and Black Cat Scavenger Hunt
Each business with an orange pumpkin in the window will have a black cat hidden in their store. Find the black cat and get your passport stamped.
Win Grab Bag Prizes for every 15 stamps collected!
Passports available for pickup at participating stores, then can be redeemed for Grab Bag prizes.
Grab Bag Locations:
To redeem your prize after collecting 15 stamps (sounds like one can collect groups of 15 stamps for multiple prizes), visit these locations:
226 Main Street: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
490 Main Street: The Gate House Team at Compass
Saturday, October 26th, 2024
11am-5pm
Black Cat Scavenger Hunt Continues
1:30pm
Parade Lineup (Corner of Main Street and South Avenue)
2pm
Parade Start (Parade ends at Veterans Place near the Beacon Post Office)
Businesses who have questions about hiding a black cat in their store can email chrguer@gmail.com.
Spirit of Beacon Day 2024: Who Will Be There! Maps Of Vendor Tables
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For the 47th year of the Spirit of Beacon Day, which started in 1977 as an answer to racial tensions between youth and the community, there will be 85 vendor tables in the center of Main Street with the goals of reaching people in the community about their services, providing joy, and food! One of the goal’s of this year’s Spirit of Beacon Committee was to incorporate more cultural food and vendors.
Food from some Main Street businesses who are also setting up tables on the sidewalk, like Nansense (Afghan burgers newly opened on Eliza Street), Matcha Thomas, Pats Kitchen Corp, St. Rocco Society, Masjid Ur Rashid, Hidden Rose Catering/Single Hungry Club, Hudson Valley Food Hall, Keyfood, Mama La’s Food For The Soul, The Potluck Eatery, and more.
Plus, all of the restaurants in Beacon (see ALBB's Restaurant Guide here) and shops (see ALBB's Shopping Guide here).
Visit vendor tables from organizations including (but no limited to) Queer Family Network, Chabad Of Beacon, Nails By Yoshii, Growing And Empowering Myself And My Sisters Inc., Beacon Light Tabernacle Sda Church, Beacon Of Health Collective, Midnight Ferry, Goodwill Church Beacon, Kadampa Meditation Center New York - Beacon Branch, Beacon Prison Rides, Rapp- Release Aging People From Prison, Makerdale, Daydream Collaborative Clinic, Piano Adventures Beacon, and many more.
A Little Beacon Blog will be there in the Kids Section offering face painting. The Kids Section is once again in the front yard of the generous Salvation Army Beacon Corps.
Remember, don't ask the businesses for their bathrooms! Use the Porta Potties that the Spirit of Beacon Sponsors have generously provided for you. Sponsors in part this year include Keyfood, Ziatün, Roundhouse, Dia:, and Hudson View park. Find this year’s banner once again on Keyfood (because Beacon remains in a Banner Ban).
See you out there!
Coat Drive With Several Locations Announced From Dutchess Outreach - 30th Year Of Collection
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The 30th annual Susan DeKeukelaere Memorial Coat Drive begins on October 1
Dutchess Outreach will begin collecting coats for the 30th annual Susan DeKeukelaere Memorial Coat Drive. From October 1 to October 31, the community can donate washed, gently used, and/or new coats.
Children’s coats and large adult-size coats are especially needed. Hats, gloves, and other winter essentials (like boots, vests, snow pants) are much appreciated.
Last year, Dutchess Outreach received and distributed over 12,000 coats and winter essentials to those who needed them. This year, Dutchess Outreach is partnering with The Dyson Foundation, iHeartMedia, and many others to ensure our neighbors have something warm to wear this winter.
Coats can be dropped off at the following locations beginning October 1st:
Chase Bank (285 Main St., Poughkeepsie)
East Fishkill Town Hall
iHeart Media (20 Tucker Drive, Poughkeepsie)
Pleasant Valley Library (1584 Main Street, Pleasant Valley)
Raymour and Flanigan Showroom or Outlet (Vassar Road, Poughkeepsie) Red Cap Cleaners (all locations)
Rhinebeck Bank (all branches)
TEG Federal Credit Union (all branches)
Coat donations are not accepted at our Dutchess Outreach office or building.
“Let’s keep our neighbors warm again! Thank you in advance for your donation,” says Nyhisha T. Gibbs, our Director of Community Engagement.
For more information, please contact Robin Tanenbaum, Dutchess Outreach Volunteer Coat Drive Manager, at (914) 848-1042 or Nyhisha at (845) 454-3792. You can email Robin and Nyhisha at sdmcoatdrive@dutchessoutreach.org.
About Dutchess Outreach
Dutchess Outreach, Inc is a 501(c)3 non-profit based in Poughkeepsie, NY, and is the largest food security organization in Dutchess County. Our mission is to provide healthy food and compassionate support, and to advocate for food security and social equity. Services include the Pantry, a community-based meal program called the Lunch Box, Mobile Pantry, monthly Farm Stand, Children’s Clothing Closet, and Acts of Kindness.
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Beacon Bread Co. and Ziatün Invite You To Share Beauty, Power, Resilience of Palestinian People One Year Since Genocide Began
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Artwork by Adam Osterfeld
You are invited on a journey to share the beauty, power, and resilience of Palestinian people and culture as these Palestinian-owned businesses commemorate a year since the genocide began.
Kamel Jamal of Ziatün and Beacon Bread Company, his wife Lena, and members of his family will prepare a traditional Palestinian supper. Music will be played by John Vergara of Lord of the Strings.
Capacity is limited to 40 seats at each seating, so be sure to book your tickets on Eventbrite asap, and bring a friend!
Editorial Note: Ziatün and Beacon Bread Company are sponsors of A Little Beacon Blog’s Restaurant Guide. ALBB posts this with support, pleasure and in partnership.
Beacon/Newburgh Photojournalist Captures NYPD Cell Phone Text And Pro-Palestine/Lebanon Protesters At UN
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Texts on a “White shirt” phone text with NYPD Chief McCarthy, as reported by Independent Photojournalist Alexa B. Wilkinson at a Pro-Palestine protest the day before Netanyahu's arrival to the UN in NYC.
Alexa B. Wilkinson (they/them) is an independent Photojournalist and digital media strategist living in Newburgh after moving out of Beacon. They have been capturing the Pro-Palestinian movement for months, and attended the protests this week at the UN in New York City in anticipation for Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu’s arrival and speech at the UN.
Alexa captured the screen of a phone with a text that confirmed Netenyahu had landed in NY on September 26, 2024, and said: “Taken this morning at 8:37am during a @jvpny (Jewish Voices For Peace NY) @nycpym (NYC Chapter Of The Palestinian Youth Movement) @nycpsl (The New York City branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation) shut down of 48th & 1st Ave outside the UN. White shirt phone text with Chief McCarthy (peppa pig) confirm Netanyahu will be landing this morning. Proof of their ongoing daily communication and links to the IOF. Screen protectors apparently not in the budget. Stay safe today, Free Palestine.”
Alexa confirmed that they do have several zoomed out shots of the person holding the phone, for verification of the individual. While Netenyahu delivered his speech to the UN, suburbs were bombed by Israel in Lebanon. Al Jazeera reported: “Israel’s military launches an ‘unprecedented’ attack on southern Beirut with dead and wounded at the scene and a block of buildings brought down as the assault on Lebanon intensifies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decries ‘lies and slander’ at the UN General Assembly, threatens Iran, and vows to continue ‘degrading’ Hezbollah in Lebanon as delegates storm out in protest.”
What follows below is Alexa’s reporting of what they experienced at this Pro-Palestinian and Pro-Lebanon protest in NYC:
First Photo Series By Alexa B. Wilkinson
By Alexa B. Wilkinson
First published on their Instagram.
“By the time I’m posting this I’m sure we will have all seen multiple angles of police violence through many different lenses. Last nights protest was somehow more of the same and also smaller pockets of escalation. The number of cops during Palestinian led rallies and marches has increased tenfold since Oct 2023 resulting in thousands of frivolous arrests, hospitalizations, injuries, witch hunts, & lives ruined. Millions paid out in overtime to turn NYC into a militarized zone from the rooftops down into the subway.
“While this city and state’s top officials host an indicted war criminal to speak at the UN (protected with frozen zones and federal level security), the SRG is given orders from the top down to suppress and silence anyone who dares stand up and speak out against a genocide. Even while corruption at the highest level has opened up public investigations into Mayor Adams’s administration, he continues to wield his power as top cop to unleash the full military might of the NYPD on peaceful protestors… even as he now has become the first mayor brought up on criminal charges.
“It’s been almost a year. A anniversary we never hoped to have. Through the assaults, the rain, the snow, the broken bones, the 10 mile marches, the encampments, the sit ins, the disruptions, and the shutdowns… we have exposed the corruption of this empire at every level. We have found community and friends. We have connected with and let some people go we probably never thought we would have. The success of this movement will be in inches and interactions, but as we continue to weave our webs of community and solidarity we will keep reaching branches that will span the globe.
“Keep fighting, and remember that when an empire feels itself falling it will try to hold on through violence and chaos. We must persevere by any means necessary.
“For Palestine, for Lebanon, for Syria, for Congo, for you…for us. Globalize the intifada.”
Second Photo Series By Alexa B. Wilkinson
By Alexa B. Wilkinson
First published on their Instagram.
“Last night, thousands flooded the streets to protest and disrupt Netanyahu’s appearance and speech at the UN. As the NYPD created “frozen zones” all around the east side of Manhattan, WOL lead a march from GCT stopping at the MET and onto the Lowes Regency Hotel where Netanyahu is staying.
“For the first hour and a half, the NYPD and SRG largely stayed ahead of or on the sides of the march, being uncharacteristically tame about marching up avenues and on cross streets. There was no obvious violence or arrests up until we got to the MET, where a UN reception was being held and a demonstration was being formed. Through footage from multiple otg reporters like @madisonswart we saw SRG target and grab a protestor through the bike line and body slam them onto the steps before arresting. After that, it was back to business as usual.
“As they kettled us back onto 5th Ave, the protest moved east towards Park Ave where SRG used the LRAD system and state that we were all now “illegally walking in the roadway”. In the course of a 10-15 minute stretch around 20 people were grabbed, tackled (footage of this by @nickybla ), body slammed, knocked unconscious, assaulted, and arrested. In spite of the kettling and typical breakage of protest blocs, the remainder of the anti-genocide protestors made their way to the hotel for a noise demonstration before being brutally pushed out and more arrests made. In the aftermath of the NYPD violence, writing on the building across from the hotel was spotted, like battle scars in the architecture.
“Through barricades and batons, it cannot be denied that the NYPD are amazingly outmatched in strategy and execution of protestors breaking through frozen zones and check points. You can tell they were given orders from the top down to avoid arrests at the start due to numbers and previous days of public violence at the hands of SRG. Their tactics are predictable, but what the lack in imagination they make up for with endless funds and support from a corrupt Mayoral administration and the federal government.
“Numbers matter, and we must keep showing up for Gaza and Lebanon.”
Revisiting Beacon's Ceasefire Resolution Details, And Where Are We Now In Death, Doxxing, and Humanitarian Aid
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After the City of Beacon passed the Ceasefire Resolution on March 4th, 2024, people asked what did it mean. You can read it below in this article. Community members who helped shape the resolution with their input made sure that concerns for both Palestine and Israel were addressed. Five Councilmembers voted in favor (Paloma Wake who introduced the resolution, Pam Weatherbee, Molly Rhodes, Dan Aymar-Blair, Amber Grant) while Mayor Lee Kyriacou and Jeff Domanski abstained.
At the time of the passage of this resolution in March 2024, 30,000 Palestinians were known to have been killed. By September 16, 2024, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, as reported by Middle East Eye, 41,226 Palestinians are known to have been killed. Of those, 710 were newborn babies, and 16,700 of those were children.
On October 7, 2023, it was reported that 1,200 Israelis were killed and 240 hostages taken. Since then, it has been reported that Israel killed some of their own hostages at different times, including on the first day. Israeli settler Yasmin Porat described in a radio interview how she survived as a hostage, but those around her did not. “Israeli settler Yasmin Porat has claimed that Israeli civilians were killed by Israeli forces and not by Hamas. This came in an interview by Porat with an Israeli radio station on 15 October, where she said: ‘They eliminated everyone, including the hostages. There was very, very heavy crossfire and even tank shelling.’ The 44-year-old mother of three stated that she and other civilians were held by the Palestinians for several hours and were treated ‘humanely’.”
The issue of humanitarian aid was included in Beacon’s Ceasefire Resolution. Humanitarian aid was being blocked. The BBC reported in May 2024 that “Israeli Protesters Block Aid Trucks Destined For Gaza.” This week, ProPublica published: “Israel Deliberately Blocked Humanitarian Aid to Gaza, Two Government Bodies Concluded. Antony Blinken Rejected Them.” The subheading for the article read: “Blinken told Congress, ‘We do not currently assess that the Israeli government is prohibiting or otherwise restricting’ aid, even though the U.S. Agency for International Development and others had determined that Israel had broken the law.”
The ProPublica article further revealed: “The U.S. government’s two foremost authorities on humanitarian assistance concluded this spring that Israel had deliberately blocked deliveries of food and medicine into Gaza. The U.S. Agency for International Development delivered its assessment to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the State Department’s refugees bureau made its stance known to top diplomats in late April. Their conclusion was explosive because U.S. law requires the government to cut off weapons shipments to countries that prevent the delivery of U.S.-backed humanitarian aid. Israel has been largely dependent on American bombs and other weapons in Gaza since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks.”
Beacon’s Ceasefire Resolution also called for no “doxxing” of people speaking for Palestine or Israel, however, since the passage of this resolution, A Little Beacon Blog has been harassed by an Anonymous Letter Writer who is consumed with the notion that ALBB remove the word “Beacon” from the publication title. It is unknown if the Anonymous Letter Writer is a resident of Beacon, or works in Beacon, or works for the City of Beacon.
The City of Beacon’s Administrator Chris White dismissed the passage of the Ceasefire Resolution in this way to the Chronogram in May 2024: “The council, at first, was not going to pass a resolution because they felt it's not a local issue. After public comments, the majority passed it, mostly so we could get back to city business."
Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White unplugging the microphone while Palestinian Jordanian Speaker Neesee Lee spoke, after she gave some of her time to point out the prior speaker using Islamaracist insults got more time.
Beacon’s Mayor Lee Kyriacou got up after Neesee’s microphone was unplugged by City Administrator Chris White.
Beacon’s Mayor lee Kyriacou approached and stood in front of Neese Lee, calling other people’s names in line, while Neesee finished her pre-written speech that ended shortly after her 3 minute allotment.
The reporter for that Chronogram article reviewed the footage of the second and final large meeting of the night the Ceasefire Resolution passed, describing it this way: “On March 4, tensions flared at a Beacon City Council meeting as 68 speakers debated over adopting a resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The room was split. While many there supported the resolution, a sizable group opposed it.
Chaos erupted when audience members objected to a man who compared resolution supporters to "people terrorizing their own citizens." After the interruption, Mayor Lee Kyriacou reset the man's three-minute time limit, prompting Neesee Lee—a Wallkill resident of Palestinian descent—to refuse her own limit, accusing Kyriacou of allowing racist remarks. After her time expired, Lee began to shout, and city administrator Chris White unplugged her microphone. Ultimately, after over three hours of public comments, the measure passed 5-0, with Kyriacou and Ward Two councilmember Jeff Domanski abstaining.”
The Ceasefire Resolution can be read in full below, and has been published by the City of Beacon here.
CITY OF BEACON
CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. 30 OF 2024
CALLING FOR AN IMMEDIATE, PERMANENT, AND NEGOTIATED MULTILATERAL
CEASEFIRE AND UNITING FOR PEACE
WHEREAS, all human life is precious; and
WHEREAS, the City of Beacon aspires to be a safe and welcoming community, and is
committed to promoting peace, unity and respect for all of its residents and community members; and
WHEREAS, on October 7th, 2023, 1,200 Israeli citizens were killed and 240 taken hostage, and
since then more than 30,000 Palestinian citizens have been killed and more than 1.5 million are at risk of starvation; and
WHEREAS, the City of Beacon expresses its unwavering support and empathy for all members of the Beacon community who have been impacted by the violence happening in Palestine and Israel; and
WHEREAS, the City of Beacon acknowledges the deep personal impact that the violence in Palestine and Israel has had on numerous members of our community, and extends its sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones and extended family members in this conflict; and
WHEREAS, the City of Beacon encourages all residents and community members to treat one another with empathy, compassion, and respect; and
WHEREAS, the City of Beacon condemns all forms of racism, discrimination, and violence (and support thereof) which target Arab, Palestinian, Muslim, Jewish, Israeli, or other communities, as well as any other form of intimidation, “doxxing,” harassment, public shaming, and hate speech, whether online or in-person; and
WHEREAS, the United States holds immense diplomatic power to facilitate an effective peace process; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Beacon urges the Biden Administration to:
1. Call for and facilitate an immediate and permanent negotiated multilateral ceasefire, towards a formal regional peace process, as well as normalized regional relations; and
2. Call for the release of all hostages and those unjustly imprisoned, both Israeli and Palestinian; and
3. Call for the immediate increased flow of humanitarian aid into all of Gaza, facilitated by mutually-trusted third parties.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Beacon:
1. Calls for continued open, honest, respectful, and tolerant conversation among our local community in support of our common humanity; and
2. Recognizes the importance of addressing the root causes of crises to the development of a pathway to lasting peace and justice, and to educating the public on the interconnectedness of climate change, global conflicts, and fostering awareness and dialogues within the community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon passage, a copy of this Resolution shall be sent to the Office of U.S. President Joe Biden, the Office of U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, the Office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the Office of U.S. Representative Pat Ryan, the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul, the Office of State Senator Rob Rolison, and the Office of State Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson
Beacon Jews Signed This Open Letter In Support Of Ceasefire Resolution
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When the City of Beacon/s City Council was debating signing the Ceasefire Resolution which it passed, several Jewish community members in Beacon signed and published an Open Letter In Support Of A Ceasefire Resolution. That was a contentious time that has tempered today, but will not go away, as a Ceasefire was never established, Palestine continues to get bombarded by Israel, funded by the Untied States who is supplying the weapons to massacre Palestinians, and Israel has escalated its bombardment of Lebanon again.
Since that time, A Little Beacon Blog faced harassment from a few people, including an Anonymous Letter Writer who was relentless in sending dozens of letters to businesses in Beacon who do an do not work with A Little Beacon Blog. This action created fear in us, and hesitation to publish more. But we know we must continue on with the rest of the world in resisting this violent, colonialist takeover.
Worse, is the strain it has put on the Jewish community globally, who has risen up shakily but loudly to say “Not in our name.”
Below is the Open Letter as it has been published. Should it be updated, we will update it here as well. The original can be found here. More people who are Jewish and live in Beacon or pay Beacon taxes can sign here.
Open Letter From Beacon Jews In Support of a Ceasefire Resolution
If you are Jewish & you want to sign on, please go to: https://bit.ly/BeaconJews4CF
We are Jewish Beaconites who represent a wide array of Jewish spiritual, religious, and cultural practices and beliefs. We have a range of experiences with, perspectives on, and personal connections to, the land and people of Israel and Palestine. In all our diversity, we are united in our support of a Ceasefire Resolution for the City of Beacon.
Over the past weeks, we’ve heard some Jewish community members cite their fear of speaking out, fear of pro-Palestinian protestors, and fear of their own public comments being posted on social media in their opposition to a Ceasefire Resolution. The Rabbi of BHA wrote in our local newspaper that a Ceasefire Resolution “will strain, if not shred, the social fabric here in Beacon.” We have heard other Jewish leaders suggest that there is a sinister, antisemitic underbelly to the local Ceasefire movement. A highly inflammatory and personally targeted petition is circulating with the aim of discrediting the growing Ceasefire movement and painting it as broadly antisemitic.
As Jews, we understand what antisemitic hate looks and feels like. We know the fear. Our ancestors endured pogroms, concentration camps, expulsion, discrimination, and exclusion. We have lived through the rise of antisemitism and anti-Jewish violence in this country along with a rise in hate-crimes of many kinds over the past decade (and some of us live at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities). These traumas live in our memories and in our bodies.
We, too, were deeply affected by the events of October 7th. Some of us have loved ones in the region for whom safety is a daily concern. Many of us feel fear when speaking out publicly on this issue, due both to antisemitism, and to pressure to conform coming from within our Jewish communities. It is risky to enter a heated and difficult debate that directly affects the people and communities we love.
It is from this place of deep knowing that we say: we will not let our fear be used to silence the urgent cries of our neighbors, who are calling out, “Ceasefire, NOW!”
“In our Ceasefire Resolution debate here in Beacon, we are seeing anti-Zionism and critique of Israeli military actions being conflated with antisemitism. As is often the case when Jews confront criticism of Israel, discomfort is reported as danger, and complex language around activism and resistance is flattened into a simple attack on the Jewish people.
This is dangerous for Jews and non-Jews alike.”
Antisemitism exists in all movements, because antisemitism exists everywhere. It is all of our responsibility to confront antisemitism wherever it surfaces. In our Ceasefire Resolution debate here in Beacon, we are seeing anti-Zionism and critique of Israeli military actions being conflated with antisemitism. As is often the case when Jews confront criticism of Israel, discomfort is reported as danger, and complex language around activism and resistance is flattened into a simple attack on the Jewish people.
This is dangerous for Jews and non-Jews alike. For Jews, the conflation of Israel and Judaism means that Jews can be targeted for the Israeli government’s actions, regardless of their stance on Israel. For non-Jews, antisemitism is a serious accusation. When used broadly, and when not clearly defined, it can be defamatory. To be wrongly accused of antisemitism can result in harsh consequences; it can cost someone their job, reputation and standing, before the accusations can be addressed. We as Jews must call out when the threat of antisemitism is used to mischaracterize a legitimate call to action.
At the same time, we have heard our Palestinian neighbors describe experiences of explicit xenophobia and racism: being called “terrorists'' on our city streets, harassed at their places of work, and warned against wearing their keffiyehs. They confront racism in all its forms, all while their family members in Gaza are dying and their families in the West Bank are under constant threat and surveillance.
As Jews we have been taught about the Nazi Holocaust: never again. With over 100 Palestinians being killed every day, Never again is right now.
There is no time to wait.
“Many local Jews are in community and communication with our Palestinian neighbors, and stand with them. The need for conversation between and among Jews of differing perspectives has also been made clear by this debate.”
We agree that dialogue is a productive way of building understanding across lines of difference, and of addressing and rooting out bias in ourselves and others. And in the simplest sense, we are in dialogue. Many local Jews are in community and communication with our Palestinian neighbors, and stand with them. The need for conversation between and among Jews of differing perspectives has also been made clear by this debate.
These last few weeks at City Council we have been in lively and passionate exchanges about these issues. A call for mediated, formal dialogue, no matter how well intentioned or needed, cannot be used to divert attention from the urgent call for a Ceasefire. Palestinians do not have the luxury of tabling this in exchange for careful conversation. People are dying now, and we must act now.
We appreciate that the City Council is listening, and that there is renewed interest in pursuing a Ceasefire resolution.
We stand united for a Ceasefire Resolution, and against all forms of oppression including Islamophobia and antisemitism, and call on the Beacon City Council to pass a resolution now.
SIGNED:
(List in formation, will be updated several times daily. Current number of signers: 76.)
Abigail Shapiro Taylor Ward 4
Arthur Camins Ward 2
Avis Olsen Ward 1
Brandon Vote in Fishkill/Glenham, pay Beacon School Taxes
Daniel Fisherman Ward 1
Dan Spitzer Ward 1
Dara Silverman Ward 1
Daria Gates Ward 1
David Ross Ward 1
David Smolen Ward 2
Deborah D. Vote in Fishkill/Glenham, pay Beacon School Taxes
Diana Cowdery Ward 4
Donna Minkowitz Ward 1
Elizabeth Greenblatt Ward 1
Emily Joslin-Roher Ward 2
Emma Myers Ward 2
Erica Patterson Ward 2
Eve Morgenstern Ward 4
Gracelyn Woods Ward 2
Hana Feit I work, worship, go to school, or live part time in Beacon
Harper Horwitz Ward 4
Harry Teitelman Ward 4
Ilana Friedman Ward 2
Jen Clapp Ward 1
Jennifer Clair Ward 4
Jessica Simkovic Ward 3
Jillian Heller Ward 3
Joan Unterweger Ward 3
Joshua K. Burghardt Vote in Fishkill/Glenham, pay Beacon School Taxes
Julie Beth Napolin Ward 4
Katya Levitan-Reiner Ward 1
Laura Bellizzi Ward 2
Lauren A. Ward 2
Lauren Spiro Ward 4
Lev Olsen I work, worship, go to school, or live part time in Beacon
Lila Barchetto Ward 4
Margo Sivin Ward 4
Martin Z. Vote in Fishkill/Glenham, pay Beacon School Taxes
Masha Schmidt Ward 4
Matt Harle Vote in Fishkill/Glenham, pay Beacon School Taxes
Matthew Ward 2
MJ Witenberg Ward 2
Nicolette Dakin Vote in Fishkill/Glenham, pay Beacon School Taxes
Noga Cabo Vote in Fishkill/Glenham, pay Beacon School Taxes
Ori Alon-Ray Ward 3
Parisa Karami Ward 3
Paula K. Vote in Fishkill/Glenham, pay Beacon School Taxes
Paula King Ward 1
Peggy Ross Ward 1
Phoebe Zinman Ward 3
Randy Bennis Ward 2
Randy Patterson Ward 1
Ray Roy Vote in Fishkill/Glenham, pay Beacon School Taxes
Ray Simons Ward 2
Rebecca Wisotsky Ward 1
Rusty Stahl Ward 1
Ruth Danon Ward 1
Sadie Greene-Kaufman Ward 1
Sam Adels Ward 2
Sarah Capua Vote in Fishkill/Glenham, pay Beacon School Taxes
Sarah From Ward 1
Sarah Richardsen Ward 4
Sasha Stim-Fogel Ward 2
Sergio Perez Ward 2
Sharon Strauss Ward 2
Sheila Webb-Halpern Ward 3
Steve Gold Ward 4
Stuart Gabriel Ward 4
Susan Myers Ward 1
Suzy Konecky Ward 1
Tina Bernstein Ward 2
Tom Stringer Ward 3
Tyler P. Ward 2
Valerie Barela Ward 2
William P. Ward 3
Yael Korman Ward 2
NEW JOB LISTING: Dutchess Hotel & Day Spa
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The Dutchess is a small boutique hotel in the heart of Beacon. We uphold meticulous standards for cleanliness and attention to detail. The Housekeeper position is integral to preserving a pristine and welcoming atmosphere. Duties include:
The ideal candidate will have previous housekeeping experience, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a team. If you take pride in your work and enjoy creating a comfortable atmosphere for guests, then this job is for you.
Dutchess BOCES Responds To "Internet Threat" With Lockout For All Classes - Sheriff's Office Investigates
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On Friday, September 20, 2024 at 11:12am, Beacon City School District Superintendent Matthew Landahl informed district families that Dutchess BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) had received an "internet threat". "As a precautionary measure," Dr. Landahl explained, "they are implementing a lockout procedure and will be dismissing students early today, Friday, September 20, 2024. Please note, this only impacted students attending Dutchess BOCES programs, including CTI, Special Education and BETA programs. Afternoon programs and classes, including adult education, are canceled...There is no indication of a threat to our school community here in Beacon and our schools remain open."
BOCES is a public organization that was created by the New York State Legislature in 1948 to provide shared educational programs and services to school districts. There are currently 38 BOCES incorporating all but 9 of the 721 school districts in New York State. This happened at the Dutches BOCES, which is in Poughkeepsie.
Dutchess BOCES put out their own statement and published a press release from the Dutchess County Sherrif's Office providing more information.
"Earlier today," Dutchess BOCES began, "gratefully the parent of a Dutchess BOCES student alerted administration to a potential threat their child saw on social media. We know that experiences like today's incident can be very alarming. We want you to know that we followed our Emergency Response Plan, collaborated with the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, acted swiftly to secure our campus, and our plans worked. Further investigation by the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office determined the social media post appears to be a re-post of a previous threat."
The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office further illuminated: "At this time, further investigation has revealed that today’s post appears to be a re-post of previous threat that has widely circulated in recent weeks, and it did not specifically reference the Dutchess BOCES. The investigation is continuing in conjunction with Dutchess BOCES. However, at this time the threat does not appear credible, no suspects have been identified, and the students and staff are safe."
If anyone has any information about today’s incident they are urged to contact Detective Griffin at 845-486-3809 or jgriffin@dutchessny.gov(link sends e-mail). The Sheriff’s Office can also be contacted via the tipline at 845-605-CLUE (2583), and all information will be kept confidential.
Dump Truck Turns Over Blocking Entrance Ramp On I-84 Westbound, Stopping Traffic For Hours on Friday Morning
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Those trying to get to Newburgh re-routed by going on I-84 east to the Fishkill exit, turning around and traveling to Newburgh by going under the overpass.
By 10:30am, a tow truck had arrived to try to turn the truck upright. By 12pm, the truck was still in the middle of the ramp, and its contents seemed to have spilled out over the guard rail. The contents look like gravel.
Earlier in August, a dump truck carrying gravel turned over on the Tappan Zee Bridge.
This morning in Beacon, traffic was blocked on the entrance ramp to I-84 westbound on the Newburgh/Beacon Bridge when a dump truck turned over in the middle of the ramp. Traffic was backed up Wolcott heading into Beacon as of 9:30am at least. ALBB was told that the driver is fine.
The contents of the truck in the grass, with the truck in the middle of the westbound entrance ramp of I-84 getting onto the Newburgh/Beacon Bridge.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth
A Little Beacon Blog
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The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
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