Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ Nissim Reuben, the Program Director of Indian-Jewish Relations at the American Jewish Committee (AJC), asserted during a Congressional briefing in support of Israel that India stands out as the sole country with no historical record of antisemitism. He expressed solidarity with Israel in its struggle against the terrorist group Hamas.
Organized by HinduACTion and Namaste Shalom Multi-faith Alliance, the Congressional briefing aimed to support Israel while addressing the growing issues of anti-Hindu bigotry and antisemitism in the US and Canada.
Reuben emphasized India’s unique status, stating that Jews were never persecuted in India until the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which were carried out by terrorists from across the border. He expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the Indian American diaspora, the global Indian diaspora, the people of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Indian government in Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Astra Nomani, an Indian-American follower of Islam, spoke against the emerging extremism within her Muslim community in the US, condemning the denial of women’s rights and the demonization of Jews and Hindus. She urged for moral courage in standing against such extremism.
Rajshree Keisham, representing the Meitei community of Manipur, clarified that the recent conflict in Manipur was not rooted in religious differences but had been misrepresented as a Hindu-Christian struggle. She aimed to correct the misinformation surrounding the nature of the conflict.
Richard Harowitz, a former Israeli military officer residing in the US, highlighted the Gaza hospital explosion and the disproportionate use of military power as core issues during the briefing.
Another Indian-American from Manipur refuted the portrayal of clashes as Hindus prosecuting Christians, asserting that the violence stemmed from conflicts between the Meiteis and the Kukis.
Condemning civilian killings globally, the speaker drew parallels between Hamas slaughtering civilians in Israel and the loss of innocent lives in Manipur.
