Petition to Save the Lord Hanuman Temple of Jersey City

About the Temple and Its History: The Lord Hanuman Temple in Jersey City was established in 2008 by the Patel family, operating as a non-profit trust. Located at 781 Newark Avenue (third floor, in front of the Patel Brothers Indian Grocery Store), it has been a vital part of the community. The temple hosts live Sunderkand sessions followed by Maha Bhog (prasad) every Saturday and celebrates various religious festivals, benefiting thousands of local residents.

After the sudden passing of Mr. Manu Bhai Patel, the Patel family considered selling the property. However, they stipulated that the temple must remain operational.

BCB Bank's Involvement: Bayonne Community Bank (BCB), previously Indus American Bank, had been a tenant of the Patel family from the start. The BCB management, led by former CEO and founder Mr. Tom Coughlin, agreed to purchase the property with the understanding that the temple would continue to operate. They offered the temple a significantly discounted rent as part of this arrangement as part of the bank’s commitment to supporting the community.

Betrayal by BCB’s New Management: However, after a change in management, BCB began demanding an unfair market rent. Despite attempts to resolve the matter amicably, the bank filed a civil lawsuit against the temple. They also requested additional requirements, including zoning confirmations and documentation such as load occupancy and continuous use permits. While the temple's volunteers worked tirelessly to meet these demands, the process was hindered by slow city administrative procedures and a lack of support from BCB in providing necessary building documents.

After exceeding the 120-day timeline, the temple was unable to secure the required permits, leading BCB to file an eviction order in court. Throughout this ordeal, the temple has remained committed to working in good faith with BCB, but it is clear that the bank's new management aims to shut down the temple’s operations.

The Temple’s Threatened Closure: The Lord Hanuman Temple, the only one of its kind in New Jersey, is now at risk of closure by Monday, March 24, 2025. BCB's actions contradict their previous commitment to the community and its residents. Their business is built on the deposits and accounts opened by community members, yet they are using their power to eradicate a cultural and religious institution that has served thousands.

What You Can Do: As a devoted member of this community, we urge you to take the following actions:

• Sign and share this petition to show your support for the preservation of the temple.
• Transfer your deposits and close your accounts with BCB to hold them accountable for their actions.

This petition seeks to compel BCB Bank to honor its initial promise to the community and uphold the cultural, traditional, and spiritual values that have been nurtured at the Lord Hanuman Temple. For generations, Newark Avenue—our "Indian Street"—has served as a home away from home, and we must work together to protect this sacred space.

Join us in protecting the Lord Hanuman Temple and advocating for the values of unity, diversity, and compassion.

Sign and Share this Petition with the Message: Jai Shri Ram, Jai Shri Hanuman
God bless you, and God bless America.