NJ Attorney General Grewal Swears in Councilman Salim Patel

by Zuleyha Kayi

Attorney General Gurbir Grewal swore in City of Passaic Councilman Salim Patel in a Swearing-In ceremony at Passaic High School on Thursday, Jan 17.

There were approximately 300 attendees who came to witness the Swearing-In of Councilman Salim Patel. The attendees, as well as the elected officials, were from various different ethnic groups, cultures, and religions.

Honorable Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said, “picture this, an event where a Hindu priest starts the event, and then the Jewish American Assemblyman introduces the Dominican American Mayor, who is about to introduce the Sikh American Attorney General, who is about to swear in the first South Asian American member of the council here, the first Muslim American, I believe, to be on this council!

For all those in Washington who might try to separate us based on of our differences, they can look to Passaic and learn a thing or two. Our diversity here is our strength.”

“I was raised here in the City of Passaic for most of my life. I am committed to this great city and it’s wonderful people. Serving Passaic’s kind, honorable, and hardworking citizens as a Councilman is a privilege, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity. I also feel honored to be working alongside my peers. Together, there is no challenge too great that we can’t overcome,” Councilman Salim Patel said.

Honorable Assemblyman Gary Schaer, who also took part in the Swearing-In ceremony said, “for the past decade, Councilman Patel has served our community admirably as both Commissioner and Board Chairman of the Passaic City Board of Education, and through numerous non-profit organizations. As President of the Passaic City Council, I am pleased to welcome him as a colleague and honored to be present as Gurbir Grewal, New Jersey’s first Sikh Attorney General, swears in Passaic’s first South Asian City Council member.”

Salim Patel has served the City of Passaic in various capacities, notably being the President and Vice President of the Passaic Board of Education for ten years.

Salim Patel has a background in corporate finance and real estate. He graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in finance. He is also the founder and President of SMILE for Charity, a non-profit charity focused on food insecurity and poverty.