Hello everyone,
Today marks the third anniversary of the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel, where more than 1,200 people lost their lives, and more than 250 people were taken hostage. As you have noticed, many of my messages revolve around us being a caring and amazing community, and how we need to lift each other up when many are down.
As we remember that terrible day, I also want to take a moment to think about our own community. Hastings-on-Hudson is a community made stronger by the care we show one another. We are neighbors, friends, colleagues, and families who may come from different backgrounds, practice different faiths, and hold different perspectives, but we share in the responsibility to look out for one another.
To many people in our community, October 7 carries a particularly painful meaning. At a time when people may feel vulnerable or uncertain, a simple gesture of kindness, and support can mean a great deal. As one person who spoke at our Board of Education meeting last night said, and I paraphrase, I will take a hug tomorrow. Extend that hug to one another, even if making a phone call just to say hello.
The Board of Trustees had our own meeting last evening and following adjournment, I logged into the school board meeting to watch and listen till their adjournment. I was heartened by what I was hearing in that room and could feel the warmth of the room, especially seeing how well we can work together, even with differing views. Thank you to the Board of Education and District Staff for providing that space for us.
Today, let us remember those who were murdered, those who were taken hostage and all the lives that have changed forever because of this day.
Most importantly, let us continue to care for one another, check on our neighbors, stand up when someone is targeted because of who they are, and make sure that everyone in our Village knows that they belong here and that they are not alone.
Caringly,
Tom Drake, Mayor, Hastings on Hudson