Hindu Forum Canada (HFC) strongly condemns the recent act of vandalism at a Hindu temple in South Edmonton. The BAPS Swaminarayan temple, a cherished place of worship for Hindus in the region, was defaced with hateful graffiti—an alarming display of Hinduphobia. This incident is one of many in a disturbing trend of hate crimes targeting Hindu places of worship, sparking outrage within the community and raising serious questions about religious freedom in Canada.
In response to this attack, HFC immediately launched an awareness campaign across social media platforms and within our local and national networks. Our campaign aimed to not only raise awareness of the attack but also educate the community on how to take effective action.
The campaign included the following key points:
- Calling Out the Silence: HFC’s message emphasized the troubling silence from political leaders and media outlets regarding the rise in Hinduphobic incidents. Despite Canada’s commitment to religious freedom under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Hindu community continues to face discrimination and violence, often without acknowledgment or action from officials. The campaign featured a viral tweet asking key political figures—including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Jagmeet Singh, Erin O’Toole, and Rachel Notley—why there has been no clear condemnation of Hinduphobia.
— HinduForumCanada #HFC (@canada_hindu) July 23, 2024
The recent attack on @BAPS temple in Edmonton, Canada, is a horrifying display of #Hinduphobia. Religious freedom, enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, guarantees individuals the right to practice their religion freely and without discrimination.
… pic.twitter.com/XPPcpmQFDr
- Highlighting Similar Incidents: The campaign shed light on multiple similar instances of Hinduphobic attacks across Canada, reinforcing the narrative that this is not an isolated case but a growing threat to the Hindu community. We stressed the need to address these issues not only as crimes but as part of a larger pattern of extremism and divisive politics that must be eradicated.
- Community Call to Action: Our campaign emphasized the importance of the Hindu community speaking out for itself, urging individuals to report instances of hate, speak to the media, and actively defend their rights. HFC strongly believes that Hindus in Canada must stand united to ensure our religious freedom is respected and protected.
HFC’s Response Beyond Awareness
In addition to our awareness campaign, HFC took several immediate steps to address this issue:
- Direct Outreach: HFC leaders reached out to local officials and law enforcement agencies, urging them to investigate the attack as a hate crime and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
- Legal Consultations: We have been working closely with legal professionals to explore options for strengthening legal protections for the Hindu community, ensuring that religious bias is treated with the seriousness it deserves under Canadian law.
- Media Engagement: HFC has also engaged major media outlets, urging them to cover this story and highlight the broader rise of Hinduphobia in Canada. By elevating this issue in the public discourse, we hope to put pressure on leaders and institutions to take decisive action.
As a result of collective efforts of the Hindu community, this incident of Hinduphobia was condemned by several leaders.
I am deeply saddened to learn that the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton was vandalized today.
Defacing a place of worship is a repulsive act that goes against Canadian values of tolerance and respect. This act of hate is completely unacceptable. My thoughts are with… pic.twitter.com/tIrjD48Ql6 — Terry Duguid (@TerryDuguid) July 22, 2024
The Hindu temple BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton is vandalized again. During the last few years, Hindu temples in Greater Toronto Area, British Columbia and other places in Canada are being vandalized with hateful graffiti. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice last… pic.twitter.com/G0a8ozrrHX
— Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) July 23, 2024
I am deeply disappointed and saddened to learn that the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton was a target of a recent act of vandalism.
Any place of worship should be a safe place for all attendees and not fall victim to a cowardly act that in no manner reflects the… pic.twitter.com/41PAZ84crb — Francesco Sorbara (@fsorbara) July 22, 2024
I strongly condemn this act of vandalism on the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton.
This type of intimidation has no place in Canada, especially at a place of worship. @BAPS @baps_toronto pic.twitter.com/zqCWhYkm4D — Tim S. Uppal (@TimUppal) July 22, 2024
Moving Forward: How You Can Help
HFC will continue to stand against Hinduphobia and fight for the rights and safety of Hindus in Canada. However, we cannot do it alone. To achieve our goals, we need your support.
We urge you to:
- Stay informed and aware of rising hate crimes.
- Actively contact your local MP and demand action.
- Join our movement and support our efforts by donating to help HFC continue its advocacy and outreach initiatives.
Together, we can ensure that our community thrives in peace and dignity. Hate has no place in Canada, and with your support, we will keep fighting for justice.
Donate here: [HFC Donation Link]
