Why Hindus in the US should join the fight against anti-Semitism

Anti-Semitism is on the rise in the United States and this disturbing trend demands our attention and action. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the number of antisemitic incidents in the US increased by a staggering 34% in 2021, marking the highest level of such incidents since the ADL began tracking them in 1979. The distressing news doesn’t stop there; in the first quarter of 2022, the ADL reported a 25% increase in anti-Semitic incidents, indicating that this problem is far from resolved. These figures do not reflect the impact of the October 7 attack by Hamas and Israel’s response in Gaza.

Several factors are fueling the rise of anti-Semitism in the US. First and foremost, we are witnessing the growth of white nationalism and extremism. The surge has now been compounded by Israeli action in Gaza, following the worst terrorist attack Israel has seen. We have seen a rise in antisemitism in college campuses and hate groups that are targeting Jews with slogans such as “from land to the sea” which translates to annihilation of Israel. Additionally, the spread of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories through online platforms is exacerbating the situation.

To see this happening even in the US in 2023 should serve a warning to Hindus living there. Hindus are often targeted by similar hate groups, including Islamists, Khalistani and white nationalists. A 2017 survey by Pew stated that about 40% of Americans said they knew “very little” or “nothing” about Hinduism. White nationalists, who often confuse all Indians as Hindus, view Indians as a threat to their cultural identity and economic well-being. They believe that Hindu Indians are taking jobs away from white Americans and lowering wages. They also believe that this has led to the changing of cultural landscape of the US, and that this is a negative development. This false perception of Hindu Indians as “cheap labour” is often used to justify anti-Indian violence and discrimination. White nationalists target Indian Hindus with racial slurs, threats, and physical violence.

Hindus in the US should be deeply concerned about the surge in anti-Semitism, because they themselves are a minority group that frequently falls victim to hate crimes. There are crucial lessons that Hindus in America can glean from this phenomenon. Here are some actionable steps that Hindus in the US can take to learn from the rise of antisemitism

Support: As we have seen in the present crisis in Israel and Gaza Hindus, both in the US and across the globe, have offered support to Israel and to Jews. Hindus in the US need to keep supporting Jewish organisations that are working diligently to combat anti-Semitism. Several Jewish organizations are dedicated to public education and advocacy for policies that protect Jews from discrimination. Standing together with these organisations in their mission is a positive step forward.

Vigilance and Reporting: Hindus must remain vigilant and report any anti-Hindu incidents to the relevant authorities. Ensuring that these incidents are documented and addressed is essential in the fight against hate. Hindus in the US, mostly working there on visas (about 2.6 million) do not report such incidents, due to fear of retaliation from the system. For too long, Hindus have ignored subtle and explicit prejudice at their workplaces, online and in real life. Unless these incidents are reported, the authorities will lack evidence of discrimination to take action or to create policies against HinduPhobia. Hindus should not hesitate to speak out against anti-Semitism whenever they encounter it, whether it’s online, in person, or in the media. Silence only perpetuates hatred; our voices can be a powerful force for change.

Unity Among Minority Groups Hindus should continue to actively work to build bridges with other minority groups, including Jews, Sikhs and Muslims. Collaboratively, they can stand up against hate, discrimination, and bigotry, promoting tolerance, understanding, and respect among diverse communities. All these groups have been associated with myriad conspiracy theories, from 9/11 to Covid 19. Building strong relationships with other minority groups is paramount. Collaborative efforts amplify the collective strength of communities in the face of hate and discrimination. Unity can serve as a powerful deterrent to those who seek to divide us.

Education:  Hindus in the US should educate themselves and their communities about anti-Semitism. Knowledge is a powerful tool, and the more people know about anti-Semitism, the better equipped they will be to recognize and combat it. We have seen organisations such as the Hindu American Foundation, COHNA and others who are now actively educating the political class about the Hindu religion. But there needs to be a focus on educating the American public about Hinduism. For example, Yoga has found its way into American life, but fewer than 53% of Americans know that Yoga has its origin in Hinduism.

The rise of anti-Semitism in the US is a serious issue that impacts all of us, and Hindus can play a pivotal role in combating it. By educating themselves and their communities, supporting organisations dedicated to the fight against prejudice, speaking out against hatred, and building bridges with other minority groups, Hindus can contribute to a more inclusive and tolerant society. In this collective effort, we can work together to ensure that anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination have no place in our diverse and multicultural nation.

Rohit Sharma is an independent journalist based in Washington D.C. covering the US for the Indian media.

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