New Jersey appoints first Egyptian-American judge

The New Jersey City Council appointed the first Egyptian-American as a Municipal Court judge, in a move hailed as a milestone for the Arab-American community.

After five years at the Office of the Attorney General, Ramy A. Eid will assume his new role after a unanimous agreement among city council members, the Jersey Journal reported.

“It’s really a great, great honor. I think when you’re the first of anything it comes with great responsibility to do an excellent job for the most part,” Eid said.

“You really want to really utilize it as an opportunity to open up opportunities for others.”

An active members of New Jersey’s Egyptian community, Eid’s appointment also signals the city’s increased representation of minorities, the American daily reported.

“Our courts, our city offices, our police department – all aspects of city government – should reflect the community they serve and we are committed to making appointments that reflect the great diversity of our city,” Mayor Steve Fulop said.

An Arabic speaker, Eid studied abroad at the American University of Cairo while he pursued his undergraduate degree at the University of Massachusetts in 1998.

He also went to Columbia University where he earned a master’s degree in public administration from the School of International and Public Affairs.

“Ramy will be a great asset to the Municipal Court with his experience and knowledge, but also as an Arabic speaker who has a great understanding of the Egyptian culture and community here in Jersey City,” Mayor Steve Fulop said.

The 38-year-old grew up in Fort Lee and moved to Jersey City almost 10 years ago after attending law school at Seton Hall.

He was deputy attorney general for five years before going on to serve as an assistant corporation counsel at the Newark Law Department.

He also worked with President Barack Obama’s transition team in 2009, namely on the healthcare reform team and with the White House’s public engagement office.

Eid is a member of the Jersey City Egyptian Festival Committee.

“The experience at the AG’s office was excellent. It was sort of my first real job after law school,” he said.

“That’s where I realized this is really what I wanted to do, it just makes for an exciting life.”