We, the undersigned, condemn the recent resolution dated September 12, 2022 that was recklessly passed by the Teaneck Democratic Municipal Committee (TDMC) of Teaneck, NJ. This resolution wrongly condemns almost every major Hindu American organization in the United States as an organization which promotes hate and terrorism, and it was passed without even providing any of the mentioned Hindu American organizations the opportunity to be heard. As a minority community in the United States that has recently experienced many instances of hate crimes, including against many of our temples in the New Jersey area, we take great offense to this hate-filled resolution. We call for the TDMC to rescind this offensive resolution immediately.
We, the undersigned, believe that the defamatory allegations made in this resolution demonize the entire Hindu American community and Hindu American organizations, and promote further hatred and violence against a minority community in the United States. The resolution falsely labels Hindu American organizations as “Hindu nationalist organizations”. This resolution attempts to deny Hindu Americans their right to peacefully protest the hate-filled agenda of the “Dismantling Global Hindutva” conference, in which various speakers openly called for an end to Hinduism, claimed that Hinduism is a danger to democracy, equality, and brotherhood, and singled out Hindu last names (including the last names of many New Jersey residents), labeling them as purveyors of violence and bigotry. This resolution further attempts to strip Hindu Americans of their right to participate in the established political process of this country, including objecting to bills that the community believes are ill-advised, fallacious, or malicious in nature. These are rights afforded to all Americans, including Hindu Americans. This resolution reflects poorly against the long-cherished values of American society, including the importance of liberty, equality, justice, and diversity.
Finally, we, the undersigned, are appalled at the demonization of organizations that have diligently served the elderly, the lower-income families, and the most vulnerable sections of the population without regard to race, religion, nationality, or gender throughout the COVID pandemic in cities across the United States and the world. These Hindu American organizations collectively donated over 30 million pounds of food and over $50 million dollars worth of goods and services during the pandemic to help the elderly or individuals in lower-income communities hit hard by the COVID lockdowns. They served those in need across the United States as well as many other countries around the world, including India, Pakistan, South Africa, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and others without discrimination. Over 5,000 volunteers from these organizations collectively served almost one million individuals of all races, ethnicities, religions, and nationalities in big cities and small towns across the United States through weekly food and medical drives distributing food, grocery, hot meals, hygiene kits, and many other essential supplies. At the start of the COVID pandemic, these organizations distributed almost one million N95, KN95, and surgical masks to essential workers in hospitals, schools, and offices in cities across the country. Volunteers from these organizations made more than 100,000 masks by hand for distribution to those who were not able to acquire them elsewhere.
In a time where there is an increased awareness of the need for diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect, it is ever more important to call out false narratives, bigotry, and hatred as we see it. We have witnessed many
instances of violence against Hindus, Hindu temples, and Hindu icons. Here are further details on the growing hate against Hindus in America:
Anti-Hindu attacks grow, from Taco Bell tirade to Gandhi statue toppling – The Washington Post Rutgers Report Finds Increase in Anti-Hindu Disinformation | Rutgers University
We understand that the TDMC may simply be a pawn in a much larger agenda to malign and denigrate the Hindu American community, but we wish to impress upon the TDMC that there are real consequences when one makes misplaced, false, and malicious allegations about a law-abiding and peaceful community. We hope, therefore, that the TDMC will do the right thing by immediately rescinding this hate-filled resolution and apologizing for hurting the sentiments of the Hindu American community.
The list of organizations supporting this condemnation is growing. As of September 26, 2022, the following have expressed their outrage at the aforementioned resolution and joined together to fight this clear act of Hindu Hate:
American Hindus against Defamation NJ
American Indian Association
Arya Samaj of Garden State, Om temple
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir North Bergen, NJ
Chappaiya Dham
Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) NJ
Divyajyot foundation NJ
Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA
Fair Lawn Indian Community
Federations of Indian Associations NY, NJ, CT, MA
Gandhi Center
Gayatri Mandir
Glen Rock Indian Community
Govinda Sanskar Center
Gurukul Swaminarayan
Hanuman Temple
Hindu America PAC of NY
Hindu Community Center
Hindus for America, NJ
Hindu American Society of Central NJ
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, New Jersey
HinduPACT NJ
Hindu Mandirs Executive Council , NJ
India Cultural Center
India Heritage Center NJ
Indian American Association in Clifton
Indo American Senior Citizen Associations of Bergen county
Isha Vedic Foundation
ISKCON NJ
Jersey City Asian Merchant Association
Kerala Hindus of New Jersey
Mallakhamb Federation of USA, NJ
Marlboro Indian Foundation
Monroe Indians for Civic Action
New Jersey Arya Samaj mandir Inc.
Param Shakti Peeth of America(PSPA)
PARMANAND MISSION
Ridgewood Indian Community (RIC)
Samskrita Bharati NJ
Sanatan Mandir
SAYFNA
Saraswati Cultural Association
Sewa International NJ
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple of USA
Shree Umiya Dham, Edison, NJ
The American Indian Public Affairs Committee
Subodh Yoga
United Rudra Foundation
Vadtaldham Swaminarayan Temple NJ
Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America NJ
Vihangam Yoga
Vraj Dham
World NRI Association NJ
World Peace and Health Foundation, USA
World Spiritual Awareness forum inc
Yogalife usa inc
Yogi Divine Society of NJ