Holtzman was born in New York City on June 1, 1913 to Jewish immigrants from Poland, Isidore and Rebecca.

Holtzman had sought political jobs for several years; once receiving an offer from the Federal Housing Administration.

He defeated Ross by a close 300 votes becoming the only Democrat to unseat a Republican that year, and the first Jewish congressman from Queens.

[1] He defeated popular state senator Seymour Halpern in 1954 by more than 10,000 votes and former justice Albert Buschmann in the 1956 election.

In his career, Holtzman was generally a backbencher who supported civil rights, Israel and organized labor; but never introduced any legislation that was signed into law.

[3] In 1972, Byrn's challenge was decided by an opinion of the Appellate Division and the New York Court of Appeals in which fetuses were not found to have personhood.