This Sunday marks the ten year anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks against the United States.  In the days ahead, many communities in the US and around the world will be holding events to commemorate those who died during the attacks; and those who have sacrificed their lives to bring the terrorists to justice. If it is possible for you, we encourage you to be a visible and positive presence at events taking place in your community this weekend.

Ten years ago, the Sikh community world-wide condemned the terrorist attacks. We stood with those families who had lost loved ones on that tragic day. However, in the aftermath of September 11th, Sikhs have been targeted in back-lash hate crimes due to our distinctive religious dress. Wearing beards and turbans, Sikh men have been accused of being terrorists. The first hate crime murder victim after 9/11 was Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh man from Mesa, Arizona who was killed Sept. 15, 2001.

The best way to combat prejudice and hate is to reach out and create dialogue and understanding. The Sikh faith is founded on many of the same principles embodied in the US constitution: the right for people to practice their religion freely and to be able to earn an honest living. Terrorism seeks to turn good and decent people against each other through fear. This weekend, we hope you will stand up and take part in ten-year anniversary activities in your area. Show people by your presence that Sikhs are peaceful and positive contributors to society. We have been around for hundreds of years - standing up to the forces that create terrorism, protecting the weak and helping to create a free and just world.

May the hand of the Divine continue to guide humanity towards an awakening of Spirit, where all people have the freedom to practice their religions in peace; where there is equality regardless of culture or gender; and where humanity has come together in mutual understanding, working together for the good of all.

(If you attend any 9/11 events and would like to share your photos with us, please email your photos to: sikh.dharma@gmail.com.)