NEW YORK – Agudath Israel of America sharply criticized the City of Linden over a series of recently passed and proposed ordinances that the group says are designed to prevent Orthodox Jews from moving into the community.
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The organization pointed to comments made by Linden’s mayor, who said efforts were needed to “keep our community from being taken over by guys with big hats and curls,” as evidence of discriminatory intent.
“These ordinances target specific populations under the guise of zoning regulation, raising serious concerns about discrimination and exclusion, and potentially violate federal and state statutes that guarantee religious liberty and equal treatment under the law,” said Shlomo Schorr, Director of Legislative Affairs for Agudath Israel’s New Jersey office.
Agudath Israel is calling on the Linden City Council to immediately revoke the ordinances and engage in an open and respectful dialogue with all community members. The group also urged state and federal authorities to launch an investigation to ensure that the rights of Orthodox Jews and other residents are protected.
In addition, Agudath Israel said it was appalled by reports that members of the Orthodox Jewish community were barred from entering the April 18th Special Meeting of the Linden City Council, held at the Susan Hudak Auditorium at Linden High School — an action they say appears to violate New Jersey’s Open Public Meetings Act.
“Orthodox Jews, like all New Jersey residents, have every right to participate in the democratic process,” Schorr said. “Any attempt to exclude them — especially by public officials — is deeply troubling and unacceptable.”
Agudath Israel said it would continue to defend the rights of Orthodox Jews in Linden and elsewhere and would pursue all appropriate legal and public avenues to ensure religious freedoms are upheld.
The article doesn’t even say what the alleged ordinances are. What bad journalism.
I think generally it’s important to have a conversation how you’d feel if the tables were turned. So let’s say someone lived in one of the Lakewood “6 towns” maybe Howell? And prior to us moving in it was a quiet suburban neighborhood. Everyone knew each other on the block . When moms go to the park with their two kids and dog, it’s quiet and they all chat with each other. Their child gets do play any swing they want. Lawns are well kept . Everyone goes to one simple school . Streets are manageable even when school starts since there is only one bus going its route . Now fast forward to when we move in. Right away there is construction and trucks coming in and out . We Kh have 6 -7 children each one in a different school. So now 6 school buses pull up to the corner . Then the frum neighbor sends to 6 other schools and 6 more pull up. At the park we stick to only chatting with other frum mothers. Meanwhile all our 6 children are on the swings for hours dropping lebans all over, while the non Jewish kids are crying they want the swings too. Then they want to play with us but who wants to play with goyim. I am not blaming anyone . But I am saying that our culture is so different. It disrupts the quiet peaceful suburban life of others . Do you blame them for not wanting us? Now to be honest linden is more of a city and it doesn’t have this kind of setting . Thus here it’s more just pure hate and people of color scared that we will price them out
“Agudath Israel is calling on… The group also urged state and federal authorities … In addition, Agudath Israel said it was appalled …” Calling on, urging, and saying, are nice. But to be effective, more powerful measures are needed. Lawsuits, boycotts, etc.
We always complain when they don’t want us but never ask WHY they don’t want us.
Let’s be honest this is also done in our communities as well, Maybe just a little smarter and quieter.
Why don’t we put effort into not double parking, driving safely, interacting respectfully, waiting full wait in lineups whether at institutions, govt bldgs or in traffic on road.
OK fine Linden. Lets all move out. We’ll sell our homes for rentals, halfway houses, drug rehab etc and you will be so much happier
So they woke up as usual after the fact
The preeminent orthodox organization my father reflected rabbi sherer
Thei good neighbor sells to a yid.now blame thw yid