New York: The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has condemned the desecration of its Melville temple and urged for peace and unity against hate crimes targeting Hindu temples in North America. In a press release issued after the incident, BAPS said that they offered prayers for those who committed this crime to be released of their hatred and see common humanity.
"Today, on September 16, 2024, we are saddened that we must once again appeal for peace in the face of hate and intolerance. Last night, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was desecrated with messages of hatred. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Similar acts of desecration have occurred at various Hindu Mandirs across North America," the statement read.
It added: "We strongly condemn these acts and pray for peace amongst all communities. Peace, respect, and harmony for all regardless of background or faith are the bedrock of religious freedom in the United States. We also offer our deepest prayers for those who perpetrated this crime to be released of their hatred and to see our common humanity". It said that the BAPS is working fully with the authorities to support their investigation into this hate crime.
Furthermore, community members gathered at the site of the desecration to offer prayers for peace and unity and were supported by local, state and federal leaders representing Long Island, including US Representatives Nick LaLota and Tom Suozzi, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Deputy New York State Assembly Speaker Phil Ramos, New York State Senator Mario Mattera, New York State Assemblyman Keith Brown, New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern, Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg, Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin, Suffolk County Deputy Under Sheriff Keith Taylor, Suffolk County Police Precinct Supervisor William Scrima.
Huntington Township Police Inspector Kevin Williams, Huntington Township Superintendent Andre Sorrentino, Huntington Township Supervisor Ed Smyth, Huntington Township Clerk Andrew Raia, Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney Allen Bode, North Hempstead Town Clerk Ragini Shrivastava, Babylon Township Councilman Dwayne Gregory and Rod Calarco, Representative of the Governor of New York, were also present.
Representatives from community organizations, including NAACP President Tracey Edwards, Rabbi Susie Moskowitz from Temple Beth Torah, Rabbi Elizabeth Zeller from Temple Chaverim, Pastor Tom Johnson from St Lutheran Church and Hassan Ahmed of Masjid Darul Quran as well as representatives from the American Jewish Committee and the various Hindu Mandirs in the area also were present to show their support – a powerful testament to our shared values of respect and unity.
"In this challenging time, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, has also offered his prayers for peace and harmony. We extend our gratitude to the local and state authorities for their ongoing support. Let us unite in prayer to continue promoting goodness and fostering harmony," the BAPS statement said.
