Emily DaSilva Marries David Jimenez-Katsman in Los Angeles
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Emily Hope DaSilva (SHS ‘08) and David Gabriel Jimenez-Katsman were married on May 25, 2024 at Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, California. Rabbi Jonathan E. Blake of Westchester Reform Temple officiated the Jewish wedding ceremony.
The couple met on Hinge in November 2019, and shared a few dates before the pandemic hit—but David was undeterred by the forthcoming lockdown. Emily returned home to Scarsdale for five months, while David planned virtual dates, sent her sweet surprises, and even got her number one celebrity crush to slide into her DMs to say hello.
Upon her return to Los Angeles, David recreated an iconic rom-com movie scene by scooping Emily up at LAX with a blaring boombox over his head, blasting Peter Gabriel’s In Your Eyes. Ever since, their life together out west has been filled with vibrant dinner parties in their Mt. Washington home; weekend walks around the Silver Lake Reservoir; evening salsas and merengues; premieres from Hollywood to Cannes; advocacy for progressive local causes; and frequent visits to their hometowns, Toronto and New York.
In December 2023, David convinced Emily he won a trip to Kauai in a holiday raffle at work, and the two of them left just a few days later. Emily thought nothing of it, since her sisters slipped to her a fake proposal plan they learned from David over Thanksgiving dinner. But when the couple landed in Hawaii, David whisked Emily to a beach, where to her surprise was a hidden photographer, and a ring in his pocket.
The groom, 34, is a Partner at Sugar23, where he manages writers and directors for film and television. He received his Masters of Laws at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 2011, with a concentration in litigation and alternative dispute resolution. He received his Bachelor of Laws at Durham University in 2010, with additional business administration studies from the Schulich School of Business in Canada. The groom is the son of Elina Katsman and Felix Jimenez.
The bride, 33, is the founder of Reorganized, a non-profit dedicated to mobilizing youth voters, as well as the Chief Client Success officer for Votivate, a political data company. She serves on the Executive Board of Directors of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, and as the treasurer on the Board of Directors of the American Civil Liberties Union, California Action. She graduated from New York University in 2012, with a Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude in Dramatic Literature. Emily is the daughter of Peggy and Russell DaSilva. The bride’s mother is the CEO of PIMCO Prime Real Estate (formerly Allianz Real Estate). The bride’s father is Senior Counsel at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.
SFCS Aging in Place Program Receives Generous Bequest
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Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service (SFCS) today announced it has received a generous bequest from the estate of long-time Scarsdale resident Ruth Kaiden, who died June 16, 2022 at the age of 92.
The bequest recognizes the pivotal role that SFCS’s Aging in Place program played in Kaiden’s life. As she did with many older Scarsdale residents, SFCS’s then Aging in Place coordinator Maryellen Saenger cultivated an ongoing relationship with Kaiden. Over time, she helped connect Kaiden with all the es- sential resources she needed to remain comfortable and secure in her beloved home. Most im- portantly, the Aging in Place program provided Ruth with a consistent source of support through weekly phone calls, and visits.
"We are so honored and grateful for this generous gift,” said James Genova, LCSW, executive director, Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service. “We are proud to provide many services for Scarsdale residents to help them continue to live safely and happily in their homes as they age.”
The Aging in Place program provides an array of services including outreach, emotional support, in- home assessment, referral services, advocacy, education, friendly visiting and future planning assistance.
Although the Aging in Place program receives funding from Scarsdale Village and the Westchester County Board of Legislators, it remains under-funded; that is why the bequest from the Ruth Kaiden es- tate is so important. The gift will help support and expand these vital services so that Scarsdale resi- dents, who desire it, can continue to age in place.
Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service (SFCS)
Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service (SFCS) is a nationally recognized family service agency accredited by the Council on Accreditation. The agency has been an anchor in the community for almost 100 years, providing counseling services and supportive programs to local individuals and families in all stages of life. SFCS’s mission is to strengthen and support family life and to contribute to the well-being of Scarsdale and Edgemont residents. SFCS believes that families matter and that healthy families are the cornerstone of a healthy community.
For more information, please go to https://www.sfcsinc.org/ or call (914) 723-3281.
Former Mayor Marc Samwick Endorses George Latimer for Congress
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Endorsement for County Executive George Latimer in the June 25th Democratic Primary
Dear Scarsdalians,
I am writing to express my unwavering support for County Executive George Latimer in the upcoming Democratic primary on June 25th. Having had the privilege of working closely with George during my tenure as Village Trustee and Mayor, I can attest to his exemplary leadership qualities and steadfast dedication to serving Westchester County.
Throughout his years in public service, George has consistently demonstrated integrity and a genuine commitment to the well-being of our community. He approaches governance with a thoughtful consideration of all perspectives, consistently seeking pragmatic solutions that benefit all residents of Westchester County.
In contrast to our current Congressman, whose actions frequently seem to prioritize conflict over progress, George Latimer embodies the essence of effective representation. His track record reflects a deep understanding of our district's needs and a proactive approach to addressing them.
I am proud to call George a friend, and I wholeheartedly endorse his campaign for Congress. As we approach what is undoubtedly one of the most consequential elections in recent memory for Westchester County, I urge you to join me in supporting George Latimer on June 25th. Every vote counts, and it is imperative that we elect a leader who will prioritize the needs of our community.
Please take time to learn more about George's platform and encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to do the same. Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our interests are represented in Congress.
Thank you for your consideration.
Warm regards,
Marc Samwick
In Support of George Latimer: From Diane Greenwald, Paul Feiner and Mark Lewis
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(This letter was written by Diane Greenwald) Congressman/candidate Jamaal Bowman is having a hot mic moment. As reported in the NY Times and The Daily Beast, Bowman was taped last month defending his commitment to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Last fall, he claimed he let his DSA membership lapse, but now he admits he really didn’t! Bowman lied out of political calculation, not genuine beliefs. Jaw dropping.
He has now been endorsed by the DSA and is receiving help from the Justice Democrats PAC, but it is a desperate strategy. With over 150,000 Jews and many allies, district voices express strong support for Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. Constituents expect that calls for hostage release and condemnation of brutal sexual violence against Israelis are expressed as readily as compassion for the hungry and displaced in Gaza. Instead, Bowman applies binary narratives borrowed from the intersectional ideology of oppressed vs. oppressor that do not readily translate to the Middle East. Bowman is not an expert on the region but shows little humility and even less solidarity with his Jewish constituents. His sound-bite approach is neither a path to peace nor a savvy reelection strategy.
Bowman seeks funding, not votes, when he courts DSA approval. His is exactly the power-hungry behavior he denounces in others. Bowman has a popular primary opponent, the long-time Democrat and Westchester County Executive, George Latimer, who he claims is funded by AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobby. But Latimer, who is polling way out ahead, is not going to win because of outside support. That is just Bowman’s cover; he is losing all on his own.
George Latimer has a proven track-record supporting reproductive rights, fighting gun violence, ensuring fiscal responsibility, investing in job development and infrastructure, and championing equitable education. Latimer has supported Israel’s right to self-defense and been consistent in his calls to bring hostages home. He does not use incendiary language or oversimplify what is complicated and worthy of criticism. Latimer earned the endorsement of nearly all the local Democratic Committees, while none supported Bowman, a stunning lack of confidence in the incumbent. Latimer earned the endorsement of a wide range of Democratic leaders, from Secretary Hillary Clinton to Mondaire Jones, the progressive Democrat running for Congress in the next district over.
Bowman has lots of issues. A Democratic stronghold, few in the district supported his “no” vote on Biden’s groundbreaking infrastructure plans. Bowman’s few statements condemning the atrocities committed by Hamas against Israel on Oct 7th were always lukewarm and he has not shown up at community vigils. In an open letter, twenty-six rabbis from his district, representing a range of institutions, expressed frustration with Bowman’s lack of responsiveness to their repeated efforts for dialogue. They encouraged Latimer to run. The progressive, pro-Israel organization J Street who had invested time and energy into Bowman, rescinded their endorsement.
Sadly, Bowman’s search for scapegoats goes on. The NYT and The Daily Beast report that Bowman describes AIPAC as his and the DSA’s “common enemy,” a deeply troubling approach.
For better or worse, AIPAC supports a range of politicians from far right to far left, and many in between, based on a politician’s support for Israel, and nothing else. There is room for criticism of AIPAC’s singular and non-partisan approach without calling the lobby an enemy. But Bowman leaps far beyond concern with his aggressive rhetoric that makes AIPAC into the sinister power “to destroy.” Bowman, the DSA, and the Justice Democrats use AIPAC as an antisemitic dog-whistle, relying on ancient and ugly tropes and Jewish blood libel to fearmonger for funds. It is truly grotesque. It’s also divisive and dangerous. Bowman seems unwilling to acknowledge the line through from his own DSA-endorsed anti-Zionist rhetoric to the distressing escalation of overt antisemitism on display across the nation. Where is his allyship? Where is his peace and love?
Karen Attiah in her Washington Post column (June 11,) also assigns AIPAC a sinister role, and wonders, “how far America’s right wing will go to crush progressive movements.” It’s a misleading concern, given that Latimer is neither right wing nor does he have a racist track-record of any kind. Latimer is a progressive Democrat, has tremendous local support, and he has a chance to unite the dynamic, diverse district with respect and tolerance. Maybe the better questions are: why is the progressive movement aligned with radical narratives of a complex foreign war? How far will the DSA go to vilify Democrats and undermine historic, domestic allyship between Black and Jews?
Bottom line is, if Bowman loses this primary it won’t be because of AIPAC engagement or his identity as a strong Black man. If Bowman loses it will be because he repeatedly ignores his constituents and votes against local interests.
I am voting for George Latimer for Congress NY-16, in the New York primary on Tuesday June 25. (early voting is available!) Join me.
Diane Greenwald
Scarsdale, NY
Democrat, Jew, Zionist, Progressive, Humanitarian, Mom, Enemy to None
supporting peace, compassion and compromise here and abroad
(This letter was written by Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner)
I would like to thank former United States Congressman Mondaire Jones for endorsing George Latimer for Congress and highlighting a major reason for doing so: George's support of Israel. Congressman Jamaal Bowman's critical stance on Israel highlights the need for voters in the Congressional primary to send a message to other Congressman across the nation that it's unacceptable to reelect a Congrssman who refused to vote for a resolution in Congress in support of Israel in the wake of the Hamas attack.
If Congressman Bowman is re-elected other members of Congress may feel more comfortable joining the movement to end support for the state of Israel. This primary is probably the most important Congressional primary in recent history because the consequences are so great. A victory by Congressman Bowman could lead to the end of Israel as a Democratic Jewish state. The slogan "from the river to the sea" will become a reality if more and more members of Congress do what Congressman Bowman has been doing and voting against Israel.
Former Congressman Mondaire Jones should be commended for putting the interests of the world first. I'm not surprised. When Mondaire Jones represented Greenburgh he fought hard for the town -his constituent services were among the best and his responsiveness to the community was appreciated by many grateful constituents. Congressman Mondaire Jones took a chance speaking out for Israel and for George and is losing some support from Anti Israel Democrats. But - the former Congressman did what he always does--he does what he thinks is right for the nation and community. I think that a team of Congressman Latimer and Congressman Jones will do great things for Westchester next year.
Paul Feiner
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
(This letter was written by Mark Lewis)
Letter to the Editor:
I am supporting George Latimer for Congress. I have known George for over 30 years. George is always available to his constituents. I got to know George Latimer when he represented two election districts in Scarsdale. George worked with me on a variety of issues, i.e. stopping the County from putting in a driving range at the Saxon Woods golf course, putting in a walking path along the Bronx River Parkway, repaving it and Post Road.
George Latimer is pro-choice. He has passed a bill to protect access to abortion clinics and stop the invasion of these clinics by anti-choice protestors. He has been endorsed in all his races by Choice Matters, the Pro-Choice advocacy group.
George Latimer became Westchester County Executive, he inherited a County Budget with almost no reserves and Westchester’s bond rating had been downgraded from AAA to AA. Under George’s prudent fiscal leadership, the bond rating has been upgraded, once again, to a AAA rating. In addition, George has been able to reduce County taxes four years in a row.
On October 7, 2023 Hamas attacked Israel and kidnapped 240 people in. George condemned the action and came out in support of Israel. In contrast, a few days later his opponent condemned Israel for attacking Hamas. George asked Congressman Bowman to support President Biden’s Infrastructure Act bill, because it would bring badly needed funds to Westchester. Instead Bowman voted against it and our interests.
Mail in voting for the June 25, 2024 Primary Election has begun. Early voting at designated polling places for the Primary Election runs from June 15-June 23 and voting in person voting is on June 25, 2024. Join with me and vote for George Latimer for Congress.
Mark Lewis
80 East Hartsdale Ave. Apt. 117
Hartsdale, N.Y. 10530
Honors for Two Scarsdale Residents
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Two longtime Scarsdale residents announced the following professional honors:
Scarsdale’s Peggy DaSilva has been named the 2024 Woman of the Year by WX, New York Women Executives in Real Estate. WX is an invitation-only association for executive women in New York commercial real estate. Its mission is to promote the advancement of women within the industry. She will be honored at a gala on Thursday October 10, 2024 at The Plaza.
Peggy DaSilva is head of asset management, United States, for PIMCO Prime Real Estate (formerly Allianz Real Estate) and is responsible for actively managing the U.S. portfolio of PIMCO Prime Real Estate equity investments. Prior to this role, she was a managing director at Canyon Partners Real Estate where she also focused on capital raising for the real estate private equity funds. She has also held senior positions at CBRE Global Investors, The Rockefeller Group, Deutsche Bank and Bankers Trust Company. Peggy started her real estate career at Chemical Bank, where she also worked in their Tokyo office for two years. She holds an MBA in finance from Columbia Business School and an undergraduate degree from Wellesley College. Peggy has lived in Heathcote since 1991 with her husband, Russell and three daughters, Ellen, Emily and Nancy.
Scarsdale’s Dr. Glenn I. Fishman Wins 2024 Distinguished Basic Scientist Award at Heart Rhythm Society Meeting
On Saturday May 18 at the 2024 meeting of the Heart Rhythm Society in Boston, Dr. Glenn Fishman was awarded the 2024 Distinguished Basic Science Award. Dr. Fishman is the William Goldring Professor of Medicine, Director of the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology and Vice-Chair for Research for the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He received his BA in Chemistry from Cornell University College of Arts and Sciences and his MD from Stanford University School of Medicine. Following clinical training in Internal Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and Cardiology at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, Dr. Fishman completed a research fellowship in molecular cardiology. After holding faculty positions at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, in 2001 Dr. Fishman moved to NYU Grossman School of Medicine, where he assumed his current positions, as well as being appointed a Professor in the Departments of Neuroscience & Physiology and Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology. Dr. Fishman is internationally known for his research on cardiovascular genetics, cardiac electrophysiology and heart rhythm disorders. He has received numerous awards from the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association, including their Basic Research Prize and Distinguished Scientist Award. He has been inducted into the American Society of Clinical Investigation, the Association of University Cardiologists and the American Association of Physicians. Dr. Fishman has lived in Greenacres since 1990 with his wife Joanne Wallenstein. They have three adult children, Robert Fishman, Julia Fishman and Adrienne Fishman, who all graduated from the Scarsdale Schools.
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