Mayor Mario M. Kranjac announced that the Borough of Englewood Cliffs is open to receiving Ukrainian refugees. After President Biden’s administration declared that the United States would be welcoming 100,000 refugees from Ukraine to America, Mayor Mario Kranjac released the following statement:

“What is happening in Ukraine is a humanitarian crisis and as a community, we must do what we can to support Ukrainians in their fight to stop Vladimir Putin’s relentless aggression against this sovereign nation. Over 2 million women and children have fled Ukraine in pursuit of refuge and safety and in Englewood Cliffs, we are working with community leaders to support any refugees who come to our community.

“As Americans, this is a pivotal moment in history and an opportunity to show our support to those around the world who are risking their lives to fight for freedom. Regardless of our political differences, our community needs to be united in our efforts to aid those who face injustice and oppression. Indeed, we have many residents and children of residents who left oppressive regimes to find a better life in America.

“This is the spirit of America – we fight for the vulnerable and safeguard the values of freedom, democracy and capitalism. I hope that in welcoming these brave survivors of the Russia-Ukraine war here, we can offer a place of respite, comfort, and hope for the future. We certainly are seeing that weak American leadership is the devil’s playground and must also send a message to our national leadership that this upheaval was avoidable.”

As the world faces the humanitarian crisis brought on by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Mayor Kranjac said he will work with state and federal officials to offer refuge.

If New Jersey is chosen to house refugees, Englewood Cliffs is prepared to coordinate a plan with community leaders, the state government, and the federal government. Details will be released in the coming weeks.

Mayor Mario M. Kranjac is the son of immigrants from Central Europe and a New Jersey native. He has dedicated his life to the service of others both in the public sector as a civil servant and in the private sector as a devoted husband, father, attorney and venture capitalist.

Kranjac was elected Mayor of Englewood Cliffs in November, 2016 as a political outsider (unseating father and son Democrats dynasty of 42 years). He continues his profession of corporate attorney and venture capitalist. As Mayor, Kranjac is committed to improving Englewood Cliffs through his focus on reinstituting the rule of law, fighting corruption, re-establishing “home rule”, improving public infrastructure, and lowering government spending and taxes.