The city of Fremont, California issued a proclamation recently condemning the rise in hate crimes and bias-motivated incidents against the Hindu community in the city. The proclamation was read out by Mayor Lili Mei along side Krishnan Iyer, who was a victim of a nationally publicized Hinduphobic attack at a Taco Bell outlet in the city.
Noting the significant contributions made by the Hindu American community in the city, the proclamation said, “Despite their positive contributions, Hindu Americans have been the targets of bullying, discrimination, hate speech, harassment, and bias-motivated crimes.”
Community members, and representatives of Hindu American community groups, who received the proclamation included Hindu American Foundation, managing director Samir Kalra , Dr. Romesh Japra, prominent leader of the Hindu community, and Rakhi Israni from Sewa USA.
Speaking of the importance of the proclamation, Kalra said, “As a native of Fremont, I am very proud that our city has come together today to condemn hate, whether its Hinduphobia or any other hate.” On Iyer’s participation in the event, Kalra added “We’re so proud of him for standing up bravely through that. He has been a voice for our community.”
A resolution condemning Hinduphobia was unanimously passed by the Georgia State legislature on March 27, 2023, making it the first U.S. state to do so. The initiative was spearheaded by the Coalition of Hindus in North America (CoHNA)
