Above: Gottheimer brings together North Jersey faith leaders to discuss ways to reduce hate crimes and other issues facing different congregations and communities. 

GLEN ROCK, NJ — This week, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer brought together North Jersey faith leaders to discuss a range of issues affecting the interfaith community, especially including the national rise in hate crimes. 

Gottheimer was joined by United Methodist Church at Demarest Lead Pastor Myung Sun Han, Elzahra Islamic Center Imam Mohannad Charaf, Advent Lutheran Church Pastor Joseph Schattauer Paillé, Christ Lutheran Church Pastor Marc A. Stutzel, Barnert Temple Rabbi Rachel Steiner, Fair Lawn Jewish Center and Congregation B’nai Israel Executive Director Abe Adler, Temple Beth Rishon Rabbi Josh Waxman, Church of the Savior Pastor Paul Miller, and Congregation Bnai Yeshurun Rabbi Elliot Schrier

“No matter what we are facing, our diversity is our greatest strength. To say that these are polarized times is an understatement. One thing I am hearing everywhere I go is just complete exhaustion from the division, the screaming, and the yelling.” Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) said to the group of North Jersey faith leaders today. “The more we can do as a community to try and bring people together, and remind people of our common humanity, I believe that we are desperate for that.”

In an effort to increase safety, Gottheimer has worked closely with many North Jersey houses of worship, schools, and nonprofit community organizations to claw back federal security investment from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Earlier this year, Gottheimer announced that fifteen organizations in the Fifth District clawed back a total of $2.1 million in Nonprofit Security Grants for the Fiscal Year 2021 — the largest award ever for the Fifth District and the largest award of every Congressional District in New Jersey.

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