Dear Neighbor,
Over the past few weeks, several of our local businesses have received racial and antisemitic hate mail. Unfortunately, this is not the first time this unacceptable behavior has happened, and it is truly heartbreaking. Last week, I met with these businesses to ensure they were connected to the NYPD’s Hate-Crime Unit and provided additional resources as they navigate this difficult time. It’s in times like this that empathy is essential to the growth and development of our community. If you or someone you know has received a similar letter, contact the NYPD Hate Crime unit at 1-888-440-4283/HATE.
On a much more positive note, Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and I would like to thank this year’s Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway sponsors for their generosity. Too many families face food insecurity and it breaks my heart when our seniors and families call to ask about the nearest food pantry. With the help of our local community centers, Bronx House and the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club, as well as several partners, we will serve hundreds of families this holiday season. If you or someone you know is in need this holiday season, please refer them to my office, and one of my Constituent Services Liaisons will be more than happy to help.
If you have any questions or would like further information about the services offered by my office or in the community, please contact my office Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM at (718) 931-1721 or via email at District13@council.nyc.gov.
In the meantime, I look forward to seeing you all around the district and hope you have a safe weekend!
Sincerely,
Council Member Marjorie Velázquez
Albanian Independence Day Celebration
On Monday, November 21 at 5 PM, join me at City Hall for this year’s Albanian Independence Day celebration, hosted by me and in partnership with New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams, Council Member Oswald Feliz, Council Member Robert Holden, and Council Member David Carr.
We will be honoring Harry Bajraktari, President of Bajraktari Realty Management Corporation, Imam Edin Gjoni, of the Albanian American Islamic Center of Queens, and Dr. Bari F. Ceka, Internist at Staten Island University Hospital at Northwell Health, for their contributions to their communities. Each of these individuals have dedicated their lives to helping others and living by the values of honesty, integrity, and doing the right thing.
During the event, we will have entertainment provided by Grupi Barbana, a traditional Albanian folk dancing group. The performance will be led by choreographers Nadia Hozic and Hannah Demiri, who share a passion for preserving the rich, Albanian culture and traditions. We are excited to share the beautiful Albanian culture and traditions with you all on such a special day.
If you are interested in attending this year’s Albanian Independence Day celebration, please call 212-482-6749 to RSVP.
Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and to ensure no family goes hungry, I have partnered with Carpenters Contractor Alliance of Metropolitan New York, Lyft, Doordash, and GrubHub to host two Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaways. Due to an overwhelming response, registration for both giveaways is closed. If you did not pre-register, we will accept walk-ins after 6 PM on Monday, November 21, and after 7 PM on Tuesday, November 22. Please note that we cannot guarantee a turkey to those on standby.
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