Attack On Hindus In The US Must ... Stop!
As America grapples with its identity, it must choose whether it will allow hate to fester or rise to uphold the values it holds dear, writes Gajanan Khergamker
The recent series of attacks on BAPS Shri Swaminarayan temples in the United States strikes at the very heart of America’s multicultural fabric. The defacement, marked by hate-filled slogans such as “Hindus go back,” and the deliberate sabotage of essential facilities like water lines at the Sacramento temple, expose a deeper malaise—the festering undercurrents of religious intolerance that have plagued communities long after the nation’s self-declared commitment to pluralism. While the Hindu community’s response of resilience and unity in the face of such malice is commendable, these incidents signal a disturbing rise in hate crimes against religious minorities and raise critical questions about the safeguarding of religious freedoms in America today.
The attacks are more than just random acts of vandalism; they are orchestrated attempts to marginalise a peaceful community, demonstrating the growing audacity of perpetrators who operate with the calculated intent to instil fear. When sacred spaces are targeted, it is not merely the physical structures that bear the brunt of such violence but the very soul of a community. The BAPS temples, which serve as spiritual sanctuaries and cultural hubs for Hindus, represent much more than religious edifices. They are spaces of collective identity, where spiritual devotion intertwines with cultural heritage, offering a sense of belonging to the Hindu diaspora far from home. An attack on such spaces is an attack on the identity and dignity of an entire community.
 |
| The attacks are orchestrated attempts to marginalise a peaceful community |
In the Sacramento incident on September 25, the attack was particularly insidious. Beyond the physical destruction of water lines and walls, the psychological damage is profound. Worshippers, who turned to the temple for spiritual solace, now found themselves thrust into a space of fear and vulnerability. The temple’s temporary closure amplified this anxiety, underscoring the fact that such acts of violence have a cascading effect, not only on the physical operations of the temple but on the psyche of the entire community. What was once a place of peace had been transformed, if only temporarily, into a symbol of targeted hatred.
Similarly, the attack on the Melville temple on September 17—though initially perceived as an isolated event—would prove to be the precursor to a string of similar incidents, sparking anxiety nationwide. That this wave of violence against Hindu temples is being unleashed in a country that prides itself on religious freedom forces an uncomfortable reckoning: Are America’s foundational values of tolerance and pluralism being undermined by an increasingly polarised society? The incident forced the community to heighten security measures, not just in New York but across the nation, a clear indicator of the ongoing threat posed to Hindu institutions.
The Hindu American Foundation’s (HAF) call for a federal investigation, linking these acts of vandalism to broader extremist threats, underscores a growing realisation that these attacks are symptomatic of a deeper, more insidious problem: the normalisation of hate. In the absence of decisive, punitive action against such acts, there is a real danger that these crimes will not only continue but proliferate. Hate crimes are not just sporadic incidents; they are manifestations of a culture of intolerance that, if left unchecked, can erode the fabric of social cohesion.
 |
| What shines through these incidents is the resilience of the Hindu community |
Yet, amidst this darkness, what shines through is the resilience of the Hindu community. In response to the Sacramento attack, the prayer vigil organised by the temple serves as a defiant act of solidarity and unity. Chanting prayers of peace in the very space that had been defiled, the Hindu community not only reclaimed its sacred space but also sent a powerful message: Hate will not triumph. In a moment when fear and division could have prevailed, the Hindu community chose instead to rise above and reaffirm their commitment to peace and harmony. Such acts of resilience are more than just reactions—they are powerful reassertions of a community’s strength, integrity, and unwavering faith.
What is even more heartening is the outpouring of support from various religious and cultural groups who stood with the Hindu community to condemn these acts of vandalism. This interfaith solidarity is a much-needed antidote to the rising tide of bigotry, reminding us that while hate may exist, the power of collective unity is far greater.
However, these incidents should serve as a wake-up call to policymakers and law enforcement agencies across the United States. The attacks on BAPS temples have revealed a glaring gap in security measures at religious sites. The time for reactionary responses is long over; what is needed now is a robust, proactive strategy to ensure that such hate crimes are prevented. This includes not only enhancing security infrastructure at temples and religious institutions but also fostering closer collaboration between law enforcement and religious communities. The mere condemnation of such incidents is not enough—there must be concrete, enforceable policies that provide real protection to religious minorities, ensuring that they can worship in peace without the looming threat of violence.
At a legislative level, stronger hate crime laws must be enacted to hold perpetrators accountable. The current framework for hate crime reporting and prosecution is, in many ways, inadequate, often leading to underreporting and inconsistent enforcement. Stricter penalties and more comprehensive reporting mechanisms are crucial steps towards ensuring that hate crimes are not only reported but that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The attacks on BAPS temples across the United States have revealed the precarious position of religious minorities in a country that prides itself on religious freedom. These acts of vandalism and hate speech are not isolated events but part of a growing tide of intolerance that threatens the very fabric of America’s multicultural identity. The resilience of the Hindu community, however, offers hope in the face of adversity. Their collective response—marked by prayer, unity, and a steadfast commitment to peace—stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith. But the onus now lies on authorities to translate this moment into meaningful action. As America grapples with its identity, it must choose whether it will allow hate to fester or rise to uphold the values it holds dear.
To receive regular updates and notifications, follow The Draft News:
