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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
FEARS AROUND SAFETY AND HINDU TEMPLE ATTACKS EMERGE AS KEY CONCERNS AT CAPITOL HILL EVENT
CoHNA's 4th Annual Hindu Day of Advocacy brought together lawmakers, researchers, students and constituents WASHINGTON, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A packed room on Capitol Hill saw a cross section of Americans of the Hindu faith come together, for the fourth year, to celebrate the contributions of their community and highlight the problems they face. The event, on the heels of CoHNA's five year anniversary, was attended by more than a 100 Hindu delegates from 17 states across the US who visited close to 150 Congressional offices to raise awareness. It drew more than 25 lawmakers (Congressional representatives and staffers) who joined the event and heard from a variety of speakers—academics, students, human rights leaders and more. "An overarching theme during the event was around safety and the ability to freely practice one's religion. It was echoed in the thoughts of several lawmakers who were shocked to know how anti-Hindu hate is playing out in the US," said CoHNA president and co-founder Nikunj Trivedi. From multiple temple attacks to Hindu students being bullied and doxxed by peers on elite campuses; from being gaslit by academics and colleagues to facing institutional indifference and inaction when wronged; the Hindu community has been under fire. Hinduphobia is a problem that plays out in many ways—from obnoxious levels of hate and bullying online to more subtle institutional blows like 'caste' laws and policies which seek to profile and target Hindus in America. Broad Congressional Support CoHNA's advocacy day received bi-partisan support from Democratic and Republican Congresspersons, united in their encouragement of advocacy, passionate in their defense of religious freedom, and equally dismayed by the attacks on Hindu places of worship. Welcoming the CoHNA community back to Capitol Hill, Representative Rich McCormick (R-GA) shared insights on why such events matter and reflected on his own long involvement with the community—both professionally and personally. He emphasized our shared values, including a focus on family, faith, and country, on growing the future, and on the importance of nurturing relationships. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) shared how proud he is of his Hindu faith. Speaking of growing up in the tradition that has given so much to the world and influenced American society through yoga, meditation, and ancient philosophy, he said, "I'm happy to see many young Hindus here, championing the cause of Hindus and their rights, both here and abroad. We should not be afraid of being Hindu! The future generation is crucial for our community's voice." Representative Andrew Clyde (R-GA) shared a laugh with CoHNA board member and vice president Rajeev Menon as he highlighted his appreciation for the shared values he has observed. The congressman congratulated CoHNA for enabling the Hindu community to advocate for their place in American society, emphasizing the critical importance of religious liberty as guaranteed by the US constitution, and its foundational role in ensuring prosperity and innovation. Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA), who spoke during the dinner reception, shared stories of his long association with the Hindu community and the impact it has made. He added that he was well aware of the attacks happening on the community, thanks to CoHNA's efforts. "Our country is founded on principles of freedom and equality, and the Hindu community is as much part of it as anyone else. Elected officials have a responsibility to ensure that 'you' (meaning the Hindu community) feel included and safe," he stated. Representative Thomas Kean Jr (R-NJ) also spoke of his support for the Hindu community and offered encouragement for continued engagement, especially given his involvement with the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "CoHNA is doing important grassroots work to promote understanding of Hinduism and to celebrate the community's rich heritage, values, and traditions", he added. Wrapping up the evening, Representative Shri Thanedar (D-MI) called out the explosion of hate and bigotry across the world, exemplified by the ongoing atrocities in Bangladesh where Hindus are being cleansed from their homeland, where a monk has been arrested on trumped up charges, and where temples have been destroyed. He emphasized the need for action via economic sanctions and more. Rep. Thanedar also called out the growing number of temple attacks in the US—in New York and in California. "These attacks have to stop," he said, promising to continue his fight against such hate. He thanked CoHNA and event attendees for "showing up and standing up in this fight for justice and fairness because if one temple is attacked, all temples are attacked." Expert Testimony Delivering the keynote speech, leading scientist Dr Lee Jussim of the Rutgers Social Perceptions Lab, shared highlights and data from an academic study, titled "Instructing Animosity." Released in November 2024, the study conducted on a nationally representative sample of 876 individuals, used a treatment-control approach to probe the impact of caste training on the perceptions of ordinary Americans about Hindus. Of critical note, the study found that exposure to caste discrimination narratives in the workplace and academia results in bias against Hindus as a whole. Prof. Jussim's presentation showcased results from an experiment where, after reading a short description of 'caste discrimination' from Equality Labs content, participants in the study were much more likely to endorse Hitler's quotes (with the word 'Brahmin' replacing 'Jew'). In another experiment, where a Hindu-sounding college admissions officer rejected a Hindu-sounding candidate, study participants exposed to anti-caste rhetoric were more likely to assume that the admissions officer was upper caste and biased, and feel the decision was unfair—despite no supporting evidence. Alarmingly, many exhibited a willingness to punish the admissions officer, and to view Hindus, in general, as racist! Drawing on two decades of advocacy and research work, human rights activist and author Richard Benkin emphasized that while Hindus have long been persecuted in Bangladesh, the situation has deteriorated in the past year. "The new Bangladeshi government is now playing an active role in Hindu persecution—particularly through the elimination of Hindu educators and the (mis)use of institutional power," Benkin said. He cautioned that Islamist groups are poised for political power after the 2026 election, and that US inaction risks letting Bangladesh turn into a "Chinese vassal state" like Pakistan. Benkin urged lawmakers to take action before it's too late. The highlight of the evening reception was a talk by globally acclaimed filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, whose film 'The Bengal Files' sheds light on the forgotten genocide of Hindus during India's partition in 1947. An Afternoon Packed with Testimonies and Data The event began with mantras and a solemn moment of silence in memory of the Hindu civilians killed in the past few months in places as far apart as Pahalgam (Kashmir, India) and Bangladesh. Testimony from Kashmiri community leaders Mohan Sapru and Amit Raina brought home historical and personal context to the recent terror attacks. American Hindus from Bangladesh bore testimony to the deep and continuing persecution the community has faced. A data driven presentation focused attention on the growing problem of physical attacks against Hindu temples in the United States—six in the past 18 months. Worse, the attacks have drawn little attention or outrage, with no arrests or prosecutions. When Hindus embrace their Hindu identity, they are targeted with accusations of dual loyalty, ideological labels, and subject to public shaming designed to make them water down their identity. Political leaders like Krystle Kaul and Bhavini Patel, who spoke at the event, shared heartfelt testimony of the harassment and personal targeting they faced for their backgrounds. A powerful panel of student voices from the University of California, Berkeley, and Rutgers University brought to life the hostility Hindu youth face on campus for simple things like seeking to open Hindu clubs, celebrating Hindu festivals and traditions, and holding peaceful vigils mourning dead Hindus in Bangladesh, Kashmir or elsewhere. About CoHNA CoHNA is a grassroots level advocacy and civil rights organization dedicated to improving the understanding of Hinduism in North America by working on matters related to the Hindu community and by educating the public about Hindu heritage and tradition. For more information, please visit or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Coalition of Hindus of North America
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Not same as Swastika': Virgina enacts law to criminalize display of Nazi symbols; to prioritize ‘Hakenkreuz' instead
ANI file photo The state of Virginia in the US has enacted a new law criminalizing the display of Nazi symbols, marking a win for accuracy and religious freedom and equitable treatment for 'Dharmic communities' as per the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA). Virginia has officially enacted the House Bill 2783 which distinguished between 'Hakenkreuz' the German word for 'Hooked Cross' and the sacred symbol of Swastika revered by many religions. 'The nuance in this law was the result of a united grassroots campaign from community leaders and Viriginia residents, alarmed at the terms of the original bill which had threatened prison terms for displaying a symbol that is almost ubiquitous in our temples and houses. This is the power of advocacy,' said ConHNA through a post on X. 'We are pleased to see how Virginia is tackling growing hate while being sensitive to minority groups that revere the Swastika', said the president of CoHNA. 'Now the need of the hour is for the media, law enforcement, and educational institutions in Virginia to update their language to reflect this critical nuance and ensure fair treatment for all,' he added. Initially, the bill had incorrectly equated the Nazi symbol to the Swastika, as per CoHNA. Despite concerns, the bill passed unanimously in the Virginia House of Delegates with a 97-0 vote. The billll also explicitly defines 'Nazi Swastika' is not the 'same as symbol of peace and prosperity used by Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, or Native American religions.' 'By explicitly delineating the legal status of the Swastika, the statute not only condemns and prohibits its misuse as a symbol of hatred, but also affirms and honors its sacred meaning within Hinduism and other Dharmic traditions. In doing so, the Commonwealth of Virginia sets a precedent for a more informed, respectful, and inclusive civic discourse', said Srilekha Palle a member of the Board of Directors at the American Hindu Coalition.
Mint
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
ISKCON temple targeted in US: Over a dozen gunshots fired in suspected hate crime; India urges ‘prompt action'
More than two dozen bullets were fired at the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple located in Spanish Fork, Utah, United States, over several nights in June, which has led to structural damage. The series of shooting cases is believed to be a suspected hate crime. India has condemned the incident and sought swift action. Nearly 20 to 30 bullets were fired at the premises,targeting the building and nearby property during nighttime hours, as devotees and others were inside. It has caused thousands of dollars in damage, including the temple's intricately hand-carved arches. 'We strongly condemn the recent firing incident at the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. The Consulate extends full support to all the devotees and the community and urges the local authorities to take prompt action to bring the perpetrators to justice,' the Consulate General of India in San Francisco said. In a separate incident that took place earlier this year on March 9, a Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California, was desecrated days before a so-called 'Khalistani referendum' in Los Angeles, temple authorities said. The official page of BAPS for the United States posted the details of the desecration on X. Its public officer said, 'In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stands steadfast against hate... Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail.' The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also raised it on X, connecting it to increasing anti-Hindu sentiments and stating that the vandalism came moments prior to the organised 'Khalistan referendum' in Los Angeles. While putting out other recent temple vandalism incidents since 2022 and demanding a probe, CoHNA said, 'Another Hindu Temple vandalised, this time the iconic BAPS temple in Chino Hills, CA... Not surprisingly, this happens as the day for a so-called 'Khalistan referendum' in LA draws close.' The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was also attacked last year in an act of vandalism on the night of September 25. This incident occurred shortly after a similar attack on the BAPS temple in New York.
India Gazette
01-07-2025
- India Gazette
ISKCON temple in US targeted in suspected hate crime; India urges swift action and stands in solidarity
Spanish Fork [US], July 2 (ANI): The ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, renowned globally for hosting the annual Holi Festival, has come under attack in a suspected hate crime, with over two dozen bullets fired at the premises over several days, causing significant structural damage. According to ISKCON, 20 to 30 bullets were fired at the temple building and surrounding property during nighttime hours while devotees and guests were inside. The incident resulted in thousands of dollars in damage, including to the temple's intricately hand-carved arches. Condemning the attack, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco expressed solidarity with the community and urged swift action. In a post on X, it stated, 'We strongly condemn the recent firing incident at the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. The Consulate extends full support to all the devotees and the community and urges the local authorities to take prompt action to bring the perpetrators to justice.' A similar incident had occurred earlier this year when, on March 9, a Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California, was found desecrated just days ahead of a so-called 'Khalistani referendum' in Los Angeles, according to temple authorities. The official page of BAPS for the United States shared the details of the March 9 desecration on the social media platform X and emphasised the community's resilience. 'In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stands steadfast against hate... Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail,' BAPS Public Affairs wrote. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also pointed to the incident on X, linking it to rising anti-Hindu sentiment and noting that the vandalism came shortly before the planned 'Khalistan referendum' in Los Angeles. 'Another Hindu Temple vandalised, this time the iconic BAPS temple in Chino Hills, CA... Not surprisingly, this happens as the day for a so-called 'Khalistan referendum' in LA draws close,' CoHNA posted, while listing other recent temple attacks since 2022 and calling for an investigation. Last year, acts of vandalism also targeted the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, on the night of September 25. That incident followed closely after a similar attack on a BAPS temple in New York. Messages such as 'Hindus go back' were found scrawled during those attacks, deeply alarming the local Hindu community. Despite repeated provocations, community leaders continue to affirm their unity and commitment to confronting hate. (ANI)
India Today
01-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Virginia enacts law to ban Nazi symbols, protects sacred Swastika
Virginia has officially enacted House Bill 2783 as of July 1, making it a Class 6 felony to display Nazi symbols, such as Hitler's emblem, on private property or in public places with the intent to sets this legislation apart is a historic and culturally sensitive amendment: it clearly distinguishes the Nazi 'Hakenkreuz' (Hooked Cross): a symbol of hatred and violence, from the sacred Swastika, an ancient symbol of peace and prosperity revered by nearly two billion Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and other communities July 1, a new law in the state of Virginia distinguishes between Hitler's Hakenkreuz and the Sacred Swastika- a win for accuracy, religious freedom and equitable treatment for Dharmic communities that revere the sacred we ask other institutions including CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America) (@CoHNAOfficial) July 1, 2025advertisementA CRUCIAL DISTINCTIONWhile the Nazi symbol is often mistakenly referred to as the 'Swastika,' Adolf Hitler himself called it the Hakenkreuz—a stylised hooked cross. The Swastika, by contrast, is an ancient symbol of peace, prosperity, and divinity that appears in Dharmic and Indigenous traditions. Unlike the Hakenkreuz, which is a symbol of hatred and violence used by the Nazis, the Swastika is an ancient symbol of peace, prosperity, and divinity revered in Dharmic and Indigenous drafts of HB2783 dangerously blurred this distinction, referring to the Nazi emblem as 'commonly known as the Swastika.' This language, though unintentional, risked harming religious communities by reinforcing decades of ADVOCACY SPURS MAJOR CHANGEOver a single weekend, more than 1,000 concerned citizens contacted lawmakers. Community leaders, legal experts, and interfaith allies united to urge changes in how the bill described Nazi advocacy worked. Governor Glenn Youngkin even sent the bill back for revision, asking that lawmakers adopt the critical updates requested by the community. As a result, the new law now prioritizes the historically correct term 'Hakenkreuz'.- Avoids implying there is a 'good' vs. 'bad' Swastika.- Clarifies that the 'Nazi Swastika' is not the sacred Swastika used in religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, or Native American traditions.- Replaces 'commonly known as' with the more accurate 'sometimes referred to as'.This Virginia legislation follows similar progress in California and even in Canada, where the Jewish advocacy group B'nai Brith has adopted the term Hakenkreuz and acknowledged the sacred role of the Swastika in Dharmic traditions. Influential figures like design historian Steven Heller have also publicly corrected their language on this issue in recent years.- EndsMust Watch
