Agudath Israel said it is “outraged” by several ordinances recently passed and others that are being contemplated by the City of Linden, NJ, designed to prevent Orthodox Jews from moving there, in line with the mayor’s recent comments to “keep our community from being taken over by guys with big hats and curls.” These discriminatory measures represent a blatant attempt to marginalize religious and minority communities under the guise of land-use regulation, Agudah days.

“The recent 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,” Shlomo Schorr, Director of Legislative Affairs for Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey office, said in a statement.

Agudath Israel called on the Linden City Council to revoke these ordinances and to engage in an open, honest, and respectful dialogue with all community members. It also urged state and federal authorities to investigate and ensure that the rights of all residents are safeguarded.

Additionally, Agudah said it is “appalled” by reports that members of the Orthodox Jewish community were barred from entering a recent meeting of the Linden City Council in what appears to constitute a clear violation of New Jersey’s Open Public Meetings Act that guarantees the public’s right to attend meetings of governing bodies. At the April 18, 2025 Special Meeting of the Linden City Council, which was held at the Susan Hudak Auditorium in Linden High School, dozens of residents were barred from entering the building.

“Orthodox Jews, like all New Jersey residents, have every right to engage in the democratic process. Any attempt to exclude them—or any group—from doing so is unacceptable – especially when it is committed by those who are tasked with upholding the rule of law,” Schorr added.

“Agudath Israel will continue to strongly defend our communities against these discriminatory practices and will pursue all appropriate avenues — legal and otherwise — to protect the freedoms that every citizen deserves.”