Press Release: AFTER HATE CRIMES, GREATER KANSAS CITY INTERFAITH COUNCIL CALLS FOR MORE INTERFAITH EXCHANGE AND EDUCATION Greater Kansas City (September 25, 2013) - Dr. Prabhjot Singh, a Sikh professor at Columbia University in New York City who is also a physician in East Harlem, was attacked Saturday evening, September 21, during a walk near his house. A group of teenagers allegedly attacked and called him “Osama” and “terrorist” while punching him, grabbing his beard, and breaking his jaw. The attack on Dr. Singh is a manifestation of unfounded hatred and ignorance, as indicated by a continuous stream of attacks on Sikhs in the past several years. “It’s clear that the associations between beards and turbans and terrorism are devastating for an entire community, so I want to continue working to show that core American values are core Sikh values as well,” Dr. Singh said. The Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council (GKCIC) commends Dr. Singh for asking all people to understand one another “through deeper engagement.” On the same day, a man attacked a Muslim woman during a pro-democracy rally in Times Square, calling her a “terrorist,” grabbing her sign, and throwing it at her. The attack on Dr. Singh and the Muslim woman indicate the urgency and importance of dedicating ourselves to learning about each other, which in turn, helps prevent prejudice, stereotypes, and violence. The GKCIC provides opportunities throughout the year and around the Kansas City area to become educated about different faiths and have the “deeper engagement” Dr. Singh encourages. To request speakers, find out about programs, or to learn about various religions, pleasevisit kcinterfaith.org.
Posted on: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 02:46:21 +0000
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