Attacks on Innocent Americans in wake of Tragedy


New York, N.Y., September 10, 2001: Sikh organizations across North America
unequivocally condemn the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center and the
Pentagon. We stand behind the US Government and pray for expedient capture
of the assailants of these heinous assaults.

The thoughts and prayers of the entire Sikh Community, which numbers over
500,000 in America, are with the victims of these attacks and their
families.

It is unfortunate that the media has recklessly begun speculating on the
identity of the assailants as being from the Middle East and as a result,
innocent persons with turbans and beards have received threats and been
assaulted.

There are already multiple confirmed assaults on innocent Sikhs in the Metro
New York area and across the country. Sikh Businesses have been stoned and
cars destroyed by ignorant and racist persons.

It is imperative that the media and police officials intervene. Muslims,
Sikhs and Jews, as well as anyone else who may have beards or turbans are in
physical and emotional danger from ignorant and violent persons. We enjoin
the media to take corrective action for reckless reporting and to protect
innocent Americans.

We ask for prayer in this time of crisis and urge the media to show
responsibility in it’s reporting and ask that we not propagate hatred
towards anyone who wears turban.


New York Sikh Community 
Sikh Network
Sikh Sewa – New York 
Sikh Heresy Regulation Board
Sikh Human Rights Collective 
Sikh Sisterhood
United Sikhs in Service of America 
Sikh Youth Federation of North America