Statement from Phoenix Sikh Community

The following statement was given at a press conference held in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday, May 19th. It was read by Guru Roop Kaur Khalsa on behalf of the Phoenix Sikh community.

You have reached out to the Sikh communities with overwhelming love and support. We are grateful and humbled by your presence and actions. Bless you for your bravery –standing up to hate and fear with love and kindness, protecting the men, women and children from all faiths and cultures who have been affected by the acts of violence and discrimination.

As Sikhs we understand that as a nation if we as the individuals and institutions do not take action speaking up against hate crimes – we may continue to loose many more innocent people.

As Sikhs our basic tenant is one God many paths. We have devoted our lives to protecting and upholding all people to practice their faith in freedom.

The founder of the Sikh faith established our religious dress 500 years ago which includes the turban and beard, which symbolizes to us our devotion to God and equality of all people. There are some other people in the world that wear turbans and beards. In the United States it is the Sikhs that wear turbans.

Sikhs are hard working Americans. Sikhs throughout their history have defended the freedom of people of many other faiths. As Sikhs we request that no gentle person, no child, no culture and no religion should be condemned, assaulted or targeted because of the unspeakable acts of others.

On Monday night, May 19th, another Sikh man was shot in a hate crime in Arizona, Avtar Singh -- authorities say he was singled out by the gunman because he wore a turban as part of his faith.

Backlash crimes are the Invisible causalities of September 11th and the war on extremism. The war we are fighting is against hate and fear, not against each other.

We together must evolve past our hate and fear by reaching out to others with increased understanding, respect and support. May our collective prayer be that God preserve and protect the honor of all faiths, all people, our nation and our world.