Passaic Councilman Salim Patel sworn-in by Gurbir Grewal

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PASSAIC, NJ- Attorney General Gurbir Grewal swore in City of Passaic Councilman Salim Patel in a swearing-In ceremony at Passaic High School, Passaic, NJ, on January 17th.

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, according to a press release.

Grewal said, at the meet, “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.”

Patel said, “I was raised here in the City of Passaic for most of my life. I am committed to this great city and its 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.”

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.”

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.

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.