Editor,

The Hindu community in the Bay Area is deeply concerned about the escalating Hinduphobia, evidenced by the recent targeted attacks on Hindu temples and individuals. These hate crimes not only endanger the safety of our community but also challenge the core principles of religious freedom upheld by our nation.

Recommended for you

(7) comments

Dilip Amin, Ph. D.

This is indeed welcome news. It's been reported that a San Jose man has been apprehended and charged in connection with a string of burglaries targeting churches and temples across the South Bay, where significant amounts of donations were stolen. You can find more details in the official source: https://countyda.sccgov.org/news/news-release/san-jose-man-charged-burglarizing-churches-and-temples-stealing-donations.

A heartfelt thank you to the diligent efforts of the police department involved. Your support and dedication are truly appreciated.

Instances like these highlight the effectiveness of law enforcement and community cooperation. It's a testament to the strength of our justice system and the commitment to upholding safety and security for all. This is just one example of why the resilience of America shines through.

Dilip Amin, Ph. D.

Thank you, Rick and the Peninsula Multifaith Coalition, for your thoughtful message here: https://www.smdailyjournal.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/faith-communities-working-together/article_389d649a-dc27-11ee-92f5-e7575a6f39de.html. It carries significant meaning for the Hindu community. Recently, I had the opportunity to make a presentation, which I believe provides a comprehensive perspective. You can view it here: https://youtu.be/l3mO3XsJdtQ

Rev Jim MItulski

We are alarmed at any incident of vandalism or expression of intolerance. We have been the subjects of such behavior and we know the damage it caused to be made to feel unsafe in your sanctuary. At The Congregational Church of the Peninsula in Belmont, CA we offer our prayers of support and commitment of solidarity to our Hindu siblings throughout the area. You are not alone. With sincere hearts, Rev. Jim Mitulski and the congregation of CCP

Dilip Amin, Ph. D.

[sad] Let me add some matters of concern to Hindus that were not included in the letter. Five temple incidents are already included in the letter, here are #6-11.

#6. Sri Sai Temple, Pleasanton (tbc)

#7. A Hindu American individual in Fremont had endured verbal abuse and was spat on because of his religious identity (2022).

#8-9. The Indian consulate in San Francisco was vandalized (March 2023) and had an arson attack (July 2023).

#10-11. Instances of desecration also extended to Mahatma Gandhi statues at Tulsi Mandir in New York (2022) and Davis, CA (2021).

Last year there was a caste bill SB-403, later it was vetoed by the governor. It created lots of anti-Hindu feelings in California. Here is a sample of some anti-Hindu messages: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGQ4r4ElLyQ [sad]

Our main concern is--where will it end?

Dirk van Ulden

Not to diminish the attacks on Hindus but aren't the same low-lives attacking anything Roman Catholic and Jewish? It appears to be a trend that is mostly ignored by our law and order types. Only political capital will stop it and that has not been effectively embraced by the aforementioned groups.

Dilip Amin, Ph. D.

Dirk, I agree, others have also faced the same. I do not mean to undermine others, but just listing concerns from Hindu side, ... that were not largely present in my past 48 years in America. To have 6 incidents in the Bay area in the past two months is little too much, I hope it is not a trend.

willallen

what's the latest on the shooting at St. Augustine's in South SF? Ever learn the motive?

Welcome to the discussion.

Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.

Thank you for visiting the Daily Journal.

Please purchase a Premium Subscription to continue reading. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.

We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.

A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means you’re helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!

Want to join the discussion?

Only subscribers can view and post comments on articles.

Already a subscriber? Login Here