LIBRARY TRUSTEE CANDIDATES

Here are our 2026 Candidates running for Library Trustee

There is one (1) Board of Trustee seat open and there are 4 candidates running.
You will find their bios below.

Joan Soskin

Joan Soskin has been a resident of Rockland County for almost 50 years and a member of Finkelstein Library for as long. She was an Early Childhood teacher in Paramus, NJ for many years before becoming a professional in the nonprofit world of major Jewish organizations. President of the local Monsey Chapter of AMIT Women, Ms. Soskin is an active community leader who loves to read and is thrilled to be part of the Finkelstein Library family.  She is the longest serving trustee on the Finkelstein Library board with many years of organizational knowledge.

Marie Antoine

Marie Medjine Antoine is an artist, and community advocate dedicated to expanding access to education, cultural programming, and public resources in Rockland County. A Haitian immigrant who has lived in Spring Valley since the age of seven, she brings a strong commitment to civic engagement, lifelong learning, and community empowerment.

Marie graduated from The City College of New York with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Black Studies and a minor in Women’s Studies. Throughout her work, Marie has focused on creating inclusive educational and cultural spaces that encourage dialogue, creativity, and community connection.

In addition to her arts and nonprofit work, Marie has participated in the Beyond Identity Fellowship, the Colin Powell Racial Justice Fellowship, and the AmeriCorps Rockland Conservation program, experiences that strengthened her leadership and dedication to community service.

As a lifelong artist and advocate for education, Marie believes public libraries are essential spaces for learning, cultural enrichment, accessibility, and civic participation. She is passionate about supporting programs that serve diverse families, students, and residents while helping ensure the library remains a welcoming and valuable resource for the entire community.

Ariel Dahan

Ariel Dahan is a highly regarded, licensed attorney in the State of New York, bringing a wealth of diverse legal and public service experience to his practice. His professional journey began in the public sector, where he distinguished himself as an Assistant District Attorney in Rockland County, gaining invaluable experience in criminal justice, trial advocacy, and case management.
 
Currently, Ariel’s practice is focused on the specialized and complex field of special education litigation. He is dedicated to advocating for the rights of students and families, ensuring children receive the appropriate educational services and accommodations mandated by law.
 
Beyond his legal career, Ariel has a deep-seated commitment to community service and civic engagement. He served a on the Ramapo Planning Board from 2015 to 2020, contributing to the protection and conservation of development and infrastructure of his local community. Furthermore, his dedication to service extends to his time as a veteran of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
 
Ariel’s roots in the community are profound. His family first arrived in the area in the early 1950s, establishing a long-standing connection to the region. Born and raised in the very community he now serves, Ariel has always felt a powerful desire to contribute to its welfare and success, a sentiment that drives both his professional work and his civic contributions.

Moshe Dear

Moshe Dear holds a Talmudic Bachelor’s degree and Rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva Torah Vodaath. He has a long-standing commitment to both community service and healthcare, having opened and operated the first urgent care center in Monsey approximately eight years ago. 
 
Currently, he practices as a licensed social worker (LMSW) in Monsey, where he is actively involved in supporting individuals and families through mental health services.
 Moshe is married and has been raising his family in Monsey since 2006, reflecting his deep roots in the community he serves.
 In addition to his professional work, he has volunteered for over 30 years as an EMT with Hatzalah, demonstrating a sustained dedication to emergency response and community care.