Montclair Council Takes ‘Stand Up For The Other Pledge’ Against Hate

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Sometimes you have to “stand up for the other” if you want justice.

Recently, the Montclair Town Council passed a symbolic proclamation against hate in support of the “Stand Up For The Other Pledge.” The pledge reads:

“While interacting with members of my own faith, or ethnic, or gender community, or with others, if I hear hateful comments from anyone about members of any other community, I pledge to stand up for the other and speak up to challenge bigotry in any form.”

Dr. Ali Chaudry, who developed the pledge in 2015, was present at the Feb. 21 council meeting.

According to Councilwoman Lori Price Abrams, she reached out to Chaudry about bringing the pledge to Montclair after a man threw a lit Molotov cocktail at Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield. Read More: Bloomfield Synagogue 'Firebomb' Suspect Is In Custody

“We love and value that when an affront happens to any group, an outpouring of support flows,” Price Abrams told meeting attendees.

This support was on full display after the “firebombing” at the synagogue, she said. Read More: Community Rallies Around Temple Ner Tamid After Molotov Cocktail Attack

Price Abrams said that she and others hope the interfaith pledge will resonate again across Montclair and the rest of New Jersey. People can sign it online here and learn more about its history here.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Montclair Facebook page.