Sukhpal S. Sodhi Memorial.
Please take action in your community.
NEWS UPDATE: Thursday, August 8th, 2002
Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa,
Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh.
Respected Sadh Sangat ji,
As you may have heard in the news, Sukhpal Singh Sodhi, brother of Balbir Singh Sodhi the first hate crime fatality post-September 11th, was tragically shot and killed in his taxi in San Francisco on Sunday, August 4th. At this time, our hearts and prayers go out to the Sodhi family at this time, who have lost two brothers in the last eleven months to random and senseless acts of violence.
SMART, SIKHNET, SIKH COMMUNICATIONS, SIKH COALITION and SCORE, along with Sadh Sangat members of the Bay Area and Phoenix, have organized expanded print, TV and radio coverage, plus diligent involvement by key congressmen, the Mayor's Office, the Chief of Police and high level officials in the Justice Department and FBI, all with respect towards bring clarity and justice to the tragic event of the shooting of Sukhpal Singh Sodhi and peace of mind to the Sodhi family.
The memorial service will take place from 3 pm to 5 pm at the El Sobrante Gurudwara in the East Bay, Thursday, August 8, 2002.
El – Sobrante Gurdwara
3550 Hilcrest Road
El Sobrante, California 94803
Tel: (510) 223-9987
The public is invited
Condolence networks have been established:
Send your heartfelt prayers to the Sodhi family by writing to:
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
Or leaving a voicemail at (602) 288-1550
Fund has been established:
Sodhi Family Memorial Fund
(Donations will go to Sukhpal Singh Sodhi’s family)
Sodhi Family Memorial Fund
Bank One, Arizona
Mail Code AZ1-1285
241 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Account # 11308-8566
Please take action in your community:
This passing serves as a sobering and sorrowful wake-up call for the Sikh community. With Sukhpal Singh’s death coming so close to the anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we are reminded how important it is to be visible once again in our communities – to reach out, serve, educate and build relationships with our neighbors, police agencies, city and state leadership.
As you know, the Sikh turban stands for Sarbatt Daa Bhalaa, something noble, an attitude that embraces humanity in the spirit of One God. Our turban symbolizes that we see past issues of culture, race, creed, gender and language, and equally embrace all people of the world as one. It is this spirit of unity that can uplift those who feel saddened and concerned as September 11th draws closer. The best way we know to share our spirit of Sarbhatt Daa Bhalaa is through selfless service.
Today, we call upon the Sikh community, law enforcement, our government leadership, the media and all fellow Americans to become more proactive - reaching out, educating, and creating a deeper level of understanding, respect and support. Please be present, aware and active in your communities, especially as the anniversary of September 11th comes closer and the potential for hate crimes increases. It is in the spirit of unity that we know hate cannot exist.
Some things you can do in your communities:
1. Talk to your children. Take the time today with your children to remind them of the noble spirit and values of being an American and a Sikh. Give them a sense of comfort in their identity and heritage that can help them in the face of any insecurities.
2. Reach out to your neighbors. Something as simple as re-introducing yourself, smiling, and spending a few minutes chatting with them to build better relationships.
3. Become involved in community events around September 11th. Are there large activities being organized in every city? Call and volunteer to participate and encourage others in the Sikh community to participate in these events. In the coming weeks, please check SikhNet for a calendar of local community September 11th events. Please let us know of anything happening in your area.
4. Be aware. Safety is an important issue at this time. Identify your local law enforcement Sikh community liaison, set up a meeting to explain traffic patterns, habits, values and vulnerabilities of the community.
5. Educate others and encourage others to reach out. Re-connect with teachers and schools, and find ways to help educate others about Sikh values and traditions.
As Sikhs, we are an integral part of the communities in which we live. We call upon all in the spirit of Sarbatt Daa Bhalaa - an attitude that embraces humanity in the spirit of One God- to reach out and prevent further tragedies.
Humbly,
Members of
SMART - Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force
www.sikhmediawatch.org
[email protected]
SIKHNET
www.sikhnet.com
[email protected]
SIKH COMMUNICATIONS
[email protected]
SIKH COALITION
www.sikhcoalition.org
[email protected]
SCORE – Sikh Council on Religion and Education
[email protected]