Whatcom County Sikhs Condemn and Grieve Hate Crimes
Langar is the community kitchen in every Sikh Gurdwara. Food is served to all the visitors, without distinction of faith, religion or background. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food is served to ensure that all people can eat as equals.
Whatcom County Sikhs Condemn and Grieve Hate Crimes
Whatcom County Sikhs Condemn and Grieve Hate Crimes
Kamalla Rose Kaur
The entire Sikh Community of Whatcom County joins millions of other Americans all over the nation in condemning the racist attack last Friday on an American Citizen of Sikh faith living in Kent WA. Sikhs condemn all hate and fear fueled attacks on innocent people, everywhere. Sikhs have the back of any and all bullied and oppressed people.
“Sikhs are proud to be Americans, living in the land of the free”, said Mr. Satpal Singh Sidhu, Whatcom County Councilman, a Sikh himself.
The victim, Deep Singh Rai, 39, was in the driveway of his home in Kent, Wash., working on his car on Friday night when a white man, wearing a mask over the lower part of his face, confronted him and then shot him in the arm, The Seattle Times reported. The police have asked the F.B.I. and other law enforcement agencies for help finding the gunman, who the victim said told him to “go back to your own country.”
A similar shooting happened n a bar a week ago in Kansas, when Adam W. Purinton confronted Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani, two immigrants from India over their visa status. Ian Grillot, another person tried to intervene and was also shot. Mr. Srinivas Kuchibhotla died from his wounds. The others were released from hospital after treatment for gunshot wounds.
Satpal Sidhu said, “We deeply appreciating the love and support of Whatcom County neighbors and friends and would like to invite everyone for Langar, on Sunday March 12th from Noon to 2pm at Lynden Sikh Gurdwara at Pole Road”. Langar is the community kitchen where food is served in every Sikh Gurdwara, to all the visitors, without distinction of faith, religion or background. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food is served to ensure that all can eat as equals.
How can you support Sikhs?
- Visit Guru Nanak GurSikh Gurdwara, 176 E Pole Road, Lynden WA) any Sunday at 10:30am for Sikh service. Or attend your own faith Sunday service and come for LANGAR (sacred free kitchen) from noon - 2pm. All are welcome.
- When you see a Sikh in a dastar (turban) offer your greeting. You can just say “Hi!” Or say “Sat Siri Akal” (SAHT SEEREE AKAHL) - a Sikh greeting that means “Truth is Eternal”, or “The Truth Will Out!”
- Support Sikh and Muslim owned local businesses.
- Donate food supplies (no money please) for Langar and/or help cook, and/or serve.
- Learn more!
