Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer is proud to announce the launch of “Love Thy Neighbor: There is No Room for Hate in Ocean County,” campaign for 2019.

The kick-off to “Love Thy Neighbor: There is No Room for Hate in Ocean County” will begin the weekend of May 31st through June 2nd.  On this weekend, the Prosecutor Billhimer has requested that all religious ceremonies in houses of worship throughout Ocean County address issues related to tolerance and kindness with a recognition that understanding is more important than divisiveness.   It is important to spread the message that we are all different people, but our differences do not make us enemies

“My office and the other twenty county prosecutor’s offices in New Jersey share a responsibility to detect, investigate, indict and convict those who violate the laws of our State,” said Prosecutor Billhimer, “I take great pride in this mission.  I also believe that it is my duty to exemplify leadership beyond the realm of police work and the courtroom.  As our county struggles with divisions based on race, ethnicity, religion and political views, it is incumbent on myself and all community leaders to embrace diversity.  It is important to send a clear message across the respective communities that make up our great county that kindness and tolerance is preferred over vitriol and hate speech” Prosecutor Billhimer said.

The original “Love Thy Neighbor” weekend was initiated by multiple faith based and community leaders in partnership with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office to counteract the rising hate and bias that society is struggling with. This effort to promote cultural understanding and reconciliation reached broad participation in Ocean County.  Numerous Christian and Catholic churches, along with various Jewish and Muslim houses of worship were involved.  We are hoping to expand our message this year.

There is a national, broader organization, Love Thy Neighbor USA that can be found online at www.LoveThyNeighborUSA.com and Facebook.  For more information, or to learn how you or your organization can participate in this year’s program, please contact Mike Colwell, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, at [email protected], Bryan Huntenburg, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, at [email protected], Scott Gartner, at [email protected] or Colin Lewis at [email protected].