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Dear John,

Shanah Tovah to all my Jewish neighbors celebrating Rosh Hashanah this weekend! As we welcome the New Year, I recognize that for many, this time is bittersweet, intertwined with the pain and suffering our communities are facing. I sincerely hope this new year brings peace and healing to all.

As our neighbors look forward to the new year, I’m reflecting on the past year. Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of the tragic events of October 7, 2023. I mourn the lives lost that day, including the over 1,200 Israelis killed and the hostages still waiting to be reunited with their families. I categorically condemn Hamas’ atrocities and continue to call for the safe return of all remaining hostages. My heartfelt condolences go out to everyone in District 39, for whom this day carries profound weight.

Tomorrow also marks one year since the bombardment of Gaza, leading to a deeply disturbing and ongoing genocide of Palestinians. More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, and 1 million have been displaced. We cannot accept this devastation as the status quo. It’s essential we work toward a future where both Israelis and Palestinians can live safely, freely, and with dignity.

The fight for Jewish safety and Palestinian safety go hand in hand, especially in our city, where we’ve seen an uptick in violence affecting all our communities—at schools, on the streets, and in workplaces. We’ve received reports of rising vandalism in our district. If you witness hateful graffiti or symbols, please report them to my office. We are committed to facilitating the immediate removal of such vandalism.

In light of the High Holidays and concerns from congregations and constituents, I’ve requested increased patrols from our precincts near Jewish houses of worship. True public safety can’t be achieved through policing alone—it requires a community effort with participation from all our neighbors. It’s essential that we work together to create an environment where everyone can observe their faith peacefully, free from fear and violence.

In that spirit, my office will support Yizkor ([link removed]) with safety marshaling. This event, organized by local Jewish groups, including Congregation Kolot Chayeinu and Jews For Racial & Economic Justice, will honor the lives lost over this past year and call for a permanent bilateral ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and an end to the U.S. government’s transfer of offensive weapons to Israel.

With military escalation in the Middle East coinciding with the High Holidays and the anniversary of 10/7, it’s critical we take steps to ensure our communities are safe during these incredibly challenging times. My commitment to tackling the rise in anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian bigotry is more resolute than ever. I’m devoted to deepening my understanding of the pain and grief so many are facing. The safety of my constituents is my top priority, and I remain dedicated to creating a district and a city where all communities are supported and protected.

Curbside Composting is Now Available Citywide!

I’m proud to share that starting today, curbside composting will expand to Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Bronx ([link removed].) , making this program universal across all five boroughs! As the author of the legislation ([link removed]) that established this citywide program, I’m so proud of the progress that we’ve made in bringing this vital service to all New Yorkers.

Curbside composting will not only help reduce waste, cut carbon emissions, but it will also contribute to a more resilient City. Our work continues for a greener NYC!

Flooding Town Hall Recap

Last Tuesday, I was thrilled to host an important panel on the state of flooding in the district, in collaboration with Forth on Fourth Avenue (FOFA), the Park Slope Civic Council, the Gowanus Canal Conservancy, and The City Sponge. As climate change intensifies, managing increased rainfall and stormwater has become a pressing concern for communities across the district. Park Slope and Gowanus are interconnected not just geographically, but also in the challenges they face within the larger Gowanus Watershed. Flooding doesn’t just affect one block; when basements and yards flood in Park Slope, that water rushes downhill to Gowanus.

During this event, I heard firsthand from neighbors who shared their experiences with flooding. Their stories reinforced the urgent need for community-based solutions and collaboration. Although the City is investing in green infrastructure and improving sewer systems, we recognize that the water is rising faster than our efforts to rebuild.

If you missed the event, you can find a summary of the event here ([link removed]) on the City Sponge Website. With over 50 neighbors in attendance, I’m energized by our community’s commitment to making District 39 more flood-prepared.

Council Member Shahana speaks to constituents at the Flooding Town Hall

Safety through Self-Defense

Last weekend, My office hosted a Community Safety and Self-Defense Class in partnership with the Center for Anti-Violence Education. With over 20 neighbors in attendance, we explored valuable tools and strategies for navigating conflict and preventing violence. This class was organized in response to the rising reports of sexual assault and harassment in our district.

While self-defense is not the only answer, it’s crucial that we remain aware of our surroundings and ready to step up as upstanders. This event follows our outreach to the local precinct to increase patrols in the area. Through proactive initiatives like this, we can empower ourselves and each other with the skills and knowledge needed to disrupt and reduce violence in our communities.

Council Member Shahana participates in the community safety and self-defense class

See you at the Fun Run Finish Line!

Get ready for our signature Brooklyn PTA Fun Run on Saturday, October 26th at 10 AM at the LeFrak Center in Prospect Park (bib pick-up and pre-race activities at 9 AM)! This family-friendly event welcomes Brooklynites of all ages and abilities to run, bike, walk, or scoot around Prospect Park’s 5km loop, all to raise funds for schools with Title I status, where over 60% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

This year’s Fun Run is co-sponsored by the District 15 Presidents Council and the Mural Justice Project, aimed at boosting parent involvement and expanding our commitment to educational equity.

Last year, the Fun Run raised over $15,000, directly benefiting schools like Park Slope Collegiate, PS 10, New Bridges Elementary School, Brooklyn Collaborative Studies, and Sunset Park Prep, among others. With ongoing cuts to education in the City’s budget, these funds provide crucial support to the schools that need it most. We’re hopeful for even greater success this year, and we hope you’ll join us!

Whether you're a seasoned runner or just out for a leisurely walk in the park, this event is all about coming together in community spirit to support our schools. Build your team and register today ([link removed]) to help strengthen Brooklyn’s school communities! If you or someone you know faces financial barriers to participation or has any other questions about the race, please reach out Mia Perez at my office: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Fun Run Event Flyer

Constituent Services Corner

Recently, we assisted an elderly constituent who had relied on SNAP benefits for over 15 years. She faced an unexpected challenge when she missed a letter regarding the re-certification of her benefits, resulting in her automatic unenrollment and leaving her unable to purchase food.

Our office acted quickly, reaching out to the Human Resources Administration (HRA) to help her reapply for the SNAP program. We also connected her with additional food assistance resources to ensure that she had access to meals while awaiting her application approval.

Thanks to our efforts, she was able to re-enroll into SNAP within a month and resume receiving these essential benefits. We’re committed to supporting our constituents and ensuring they have access to the resources they need.

Community Bulletin
* Sign up here ([link removed]) to join a Rat Walk starting at Dome Playground in Kensington on Tuesday, 10/8, at 5:30 PM. Discover the connections between our built environment, human behaviors, and rat biology.
* Don’t miss our final neighborhood tree stewardship event of the Fall, hosted in collaboration with the Fifth Avenue BID and Old Stone House on Saturday, 10/19, from 9 AM to 11 AM. We’ll meet at 4th Street and 5th Avenue to clean, care for, and add mulch to street tree beds. All supplies, tools, and guidance will be provided. Please bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, and feel free to invite a friend or neighbor to help us care for our trees. Sign up here ([link removed]) !
* The Participatory Budgeting (PB) season is back! Join us for an Open House at Powerhouse Arts during Gowanus Open Studios on Saturday, 10/19, from 12 PM to 4 PM. Meet your neighbors, learn about past winning projects, and share your ideas for improving local schools, libraries, and parks. You’ll have the chance to speak with former and current PB volunteers about how you can get involved.
* Interested in Participatory Budgeting? Join our PB Volunteer Orientation at the Van Alen Institute on Wednesday, 10/24, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. This event is for those who want to help develop ideas into ballot proposals for this PB cycle. If you're interested in volunteering as a PB Delegate, please fill out this form ([link removed]) .
* Have questions about Local Law 97? Join our virtual information session on Thursday, 10/26, at 6 PM to learn about the NYC Accelerator program, its benefits, and how Local Law 97 affects your building. Register here for webinar details ([link removed]) . For additional questions, contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
* It’s Heat Season! From now until May 31, NYC building owners are legally required to maintain sufficient heat in homes. When it’s 55° outside, it must be at least 68° indoors between 6 AM and 10 PM, and at least 62° from 10 PM to 6 AM, regardless of outdoor temperature. If you have any issues with heat or hot water, you can report them online ([link removed]) or by calling 311.
* NYC High School Admissions for the 2025-2026 school year are open now until December 4, 2024. Students can apply online at MySchools.nyc ([link removed]) , through their school counselor, or at a Family Welcome Center ([link removed]) .

In Solidarity,

Council Member Shahana
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Our mailing address is:
New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif
197 Bond Street,
Brooklyn, NY 11217
USA
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