Hindu Forum Canada hosted a successful panel discussion at Devi Mandir on December 18, 2024, featuring insightful talks by distinguished speakers Daniel Bordman and Benjamin Dichter. The event was Jam Packed and attended together members of both the Hindu and Jewish communities, fostering a meaningful dialogue on addressing various hate-related challenges. This collaborative effort highlights the power of unity in tackling issues that affect us all.
Key take-aways from the panel discussion:
1️⃣ Political Awareness and Engagement
Although many of us may feel disinterested in politics, it’s crucial that we begin to take an active interest in it, expanding our knowledge and awareness. Ignoring politics can have serious consequences—temples might be attacked and desecrated, innocent worshippers targeted within sacred spaces, and hateful narratives spread online and across the media to incite violence against Hindus and Jews. Without our involvement, these acts can occur without any repercussions for the perpetrators. Remember, politics impacts every aspect of your life—your safety, daily routines, financial well-being, and the peace and harmony in your community. By exercising your vote and raising your voice, you can help safeguard a better and more secure future.
A heartfelt thank you to Devi Mandir Pickering for standing strong and hosting this impactful event, even in the face of resistance. Their unwavering commitment made it an eye-opener for many devotees, shedding light on the critical connection between politics and our daily lives, and inspiring ways to contribute meaningfully. Traditionally, such initiatives have been more common in synagogues and gurdwaras, but it’s truly encouraging to see a Hindu mandir take the lead in fostering political awareness. This marks a significant step forward, and we hope it inspires other Hindu mandirs to follow suit.
2️⃣ Address Media Bias
Media bias and misrepresentation of Hindus and Jews span various platforms, including news outlets, social media, and entertainment such as movies and TV shows. Media disproportionately focuses on negative stories involving Hindus, underreporting positive contributions. Coverage of Hindu or Jew majority regions (India and Isreal) is often imbalanced, with an overemphasis on conflicts and controversies, and lacking in context or a fair perspective.
We address this issue through media monitoring and engagement, promoting alternative narratives, social media advocacy, and public awareness campaigns. This is where we come in—we are dedicated to these efforts and continuously work on your behalf. However, this is a collective mission, and we need your support. Stay connected with us through our website and social media to learn how you can contribute and make a difference.
An Interesting Q&A:
How do we establish laws and motions to counter Hinduphobia or antisemitism?
We achieve this by building a robust database of historical reports. Every instance of Hinduphobia you witness or experience must be reported. You can either report it to us through our website, so we can take action on your behalf, or directly to your local MP and police department to raise concerns.
The more reports and data we gather, the stronger our case for advocating basic human rights—the right to coexist peacefully and practice your faith without fear of attack. Together, we can make a difference.
