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BAPS Temple in New York vandalized, leaders call for peace
This incident comes after similar attacks on Hindu temples reported across North America.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York / BAPS
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was defaced with hateful messages on the night of Sep.15, 2024 contributing to the alarming rise in the destruction of Hindu places of worship in the recent past.
The temple authorities alerted local authorities following the discovery of the vandalism. In an official statement BAPS said that it is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation, with local officials emphasizing their commitment to addressing the hate crime.
In response, leaders from the temple and the wider community are appealing for peace. “We strongly condemn these acts and pray for peace amongst all communities,” a spokesperson from the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir said in a statement. “Peace, respect, and harmony for all, regardless of background or faith, are the bedrock of religious freedom in the United States.”
Members of the local community gathered at the temple to offer prayers for peace and unity. Local, state, and federal leaders from Long Island showed their support in a united front. Among those present were U.S. Representatives Nick LaLota and Tom Suozzi, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, New York State Assembly Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos, New York State Senator Mario Mattera, and Huntington Township officials including Supervisor Ed Smyth.
Leaders appeal for peace. / BAPS The outpouring of solidarity extended beyond government officials, with representatives from various religious and community organizations standing alongside the temple's leaders. Among those in attendance were Tracey Edwards, president of the NAACP, Rabbi Susie Moskowitz of Temple Beth Torah, and Pastor Tom Johnson from St. Lutheran Church, reflecting a strong interfaith commitment to unity.
“This is a powerful testament to our shared values of respect and unity,” the BAPS spokesperson said. “We offer our deepest prayers for those who perpetrated this crime to be released of their hatred and to see our common humanity.”
Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, also offered his prayers for peace and harmony in the wake of the incident.
Reacting to the incident, the Consulate General of India in New York expressed its dismay on X (formerly Twitter): "The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable. The Consulate @IndiainNewYork is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with U.S. law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous act."
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