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DATE: May 19,
2004
The leadership of the Hindu
American Foundation (HAF) (www.hinduamericanfoundation.org)
interacted with several Jewish leaders from across the United
States during the Annual Policy Conference of the American
Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in Washington, D.C.,
May 16-18, 2004 (www.aipac.org).
HAF, the only Hindu organization present at the annual conference
attended by the most prominent U.S. elected officials including
President George W. Bush, represented Hindu Americans during
discussions that followed a breakout session devoted to United
States-India-Israel relations.
HAF President, Mihir Meghani, M.D., recalled
the history of Hindu-Jewish amity that began with the arrival
of Jews to India nearly 2000 years ago. “The history
of Jews in an India guided by the Hindu ethos of tolerance
and pluralism is unique,” said Dr. Meghani. “India
is held in high esteem by many Jews throughout the world as
Indian Jews never witnessed a single instance of anti-Semitism.”
HAF members discussed the scourge of terrorism
faced by the United States, India and Israel, and conveyed
the security issues facing Hindus globally to AIPAC leaders.
HAF emphasized the many values shared by Hindu Americans and
Jewish Americans: a determined work ethic, family values,
a non-proselytizing, tolerant religion, and a respect for
life and religious freedom.
“Hindus in America seek to emulate
the varied achievements of the accomplished Jewish Diaspora
in our shared home—the United States. The Hindu American
Foundation joins Jewish Americans today as we work together
to promote a more peaceful, tolerant and pluralist world that
respects and recognizes the eternal contributions of two of
the world’s oldest religions—Hinduism and Judaism,”
added Dr. Meghani.
The recently formed Hindu American Foundation
(HAF) is a human rights group whose purpose is to provide
a voice for the 2 million strong Hindu American community.
HAF interacts with and educates government, media, think tanks,
academia and public fora about Hinduism and issues of concern
to Hindus locally and globally. Promoting the Hindu and American
ideals of understanding, tolerance and pluralism, HAF strongly
opposes hate, discrimination, defamation and terror.
For further
information: Please contact
HAF.
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