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Bay Area vigil honors victims of Reasi terrorist attack
The event called for action from the state of California to protect temples, which have seen a rise in anti-Hindu vandalism incidents over the past year.
The terrorists attacked a passenger bus near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu, India causing it to lose control and plummet into a deep gorge. / X/@rajeevstweets
Members of the Hindu and Jewish communities of the Bay Area attended a vigil to pay tribute to the victims of the terror attack which took place on June 9 in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
The terrorists attacked a passenger bus near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu, India causing it to lose control and plummet into a deep gorge. The incident claimed the lives of nine Hindu pilgrims leaving forty-one injured.
The “Remembering Reasi Rally and Vigil” at the intersection of Stevenson Blvd and Paseo Padre Pkwy, drew over 85 participants. The event also called for action from the state authorities to protect Hindu temples, which have seen a rise in vandalism incidents over the past year.
Hindu American Foundation (HAF) California regional director Sangeetha Shankar began the gathering with a speech condemning the attack and voicing concern over the safety of the global Hindu community, which has been the victims of attacks both in India and around the world.
Ramya Ramakrishnan, HAF Community Outreach Director, spoke about the complexities of geopolitics and the resulting suffering for ordinary people, stressing the need for greater community engagement and advocacy.
Many Jewish and #HinduAmericans in Bay area came together to remember the nine Hindu victims of the Reasi #terrorist attacks. Thank you to all organizations, volunteers, and participants, young and old, for coming together in solidarity against Islamist extremism. pic.twitter.com/GR7pMxTiDE
— Rajeev Singh (@rajeevstweets) July 28, 2024
Representatives from various Bay Area community organizations, including Americans 4 Hindus, American Jewish Committee, Bay Area Jewish Coalition, Chingari, CoHNA, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Indo-American Community Federation, and Stand With Us, also delivered speeches.
The rally concluded with Sanskrit chanting for peace, followed by a silent vigil where participants walked in single file, offering respect and prayers for the victims and their families.
Reflecting on the event, Shankar said, "The Reasi Remembrance Rally and Vigil was an excellent exercise in Hindu American advocacy organizations and other community groups coming together for a larger, common cause of Hindu unity, strength, and empowerment. Innocent Hindu pilgrims and places of worship are being increasingly attacked globally—whether the Islamist terrorist attacks in India or the Khalistani attacks on our Hindu temples, Indian consulate, and community members right here in CA.”
“It was powerful to see rally attendees across ages raise their voices through strong messaging on posters. It was a remarkable evening of Hindu unity and strength. We shall never forget!,” she added.
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