Rep. Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL) statement on racist attacks against Hindu Americans at BAPS SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR HINDU TEMPLE

REP. JONATHAN L. JACKSON (D-IL) JOINS A BIPARTISAN GROUP OF LAWMAKERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY IN STRONGLY CONDEMNING THE VANDALISM AT BAPS SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR HINDU TEMPLE

September 17, 2024 | Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, a beacon of peace and harmony, was recently the target of a hate crime. The temple was vandalized with anti-Hindu messages, an act that has deeply saddened the community.

The incident occurred between the evening of September 15 and the morning of September 16. The temple’s signboard and driveway were defaced with graffiti containing derogatory messages targeting the Hindu faith and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is scheduled to make remarks at the Temple on September 22nd.

In response, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the organization that oversees the temple, held a prayer meeting attended by local, state, and federal leaders.

In a statement, Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson said:

“I am deeply saddened by the desecration of this magnificent temple and all threats of hatred against our Hindu community. These acts of vandalism, bigotry, and hate are a continuation of the hatred that we have seen aimed at Haitian, Venezuelan, Afghani, and other immigrant groups in recent years.  These attacks are antithetical to the fundamental values of this great nation.  Unlike the old world, the American experiment is built upon the ideal that all those who believe in the Dream of America are equally American.  This is regardless of race, sex, religion, or national origin. 

I strongly condemn these acts and pray for peace, respect, and harmony for all. I extend my deepest prayers for those affected by this act of hate and support law enforcement in their efforts to bring those who perpetrated this crime to justice.”

The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, inaugurated in 2016, has been a place of worship and community service, promoting values of faith, service, and global harmony. The temple continues to work closely with local authorities to support the investigation into this hate crime.

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