Passaic, New Jersey

Passaic is a city located in Passaic County, New Jersey. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 67,861. Located north of Newark on the Passaic River, it was first settled in 1678 by Dutch traders, as Acquackanonk. Industrial growth began in the 19th century, as Passaic became a textile and metalworking center. A famous strike in 1926 against reductions in wages involved the right of free assembly. The City of Passaic is governed under the Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council) system of municipal government.

Mayor Sammy Rivera was re-elected on May 10, 2005. The Passaic Public School System is led by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert H. Holster.

Passaic is the birthplace of Donald Fagen, Loretta Swit, Mitch Albom, The Shirelles, and Joe Piscopo. Passaic is a significant residential and institutional center of Orthodox Judaism, being home to numerous yeshivas as well as Orthodox synagogues, schools, a Hatzolah volunteer ambulance and other institutions.