‘Turban Does Not Mean…’: New York Mayor Adams Amid Recent Attacks on Sikhs – News18

New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Sunday strongly condemned the growing number of hate crimes against the members of the Sikh community, saying that the turban does not mean terrorism but symbolises faith. Speaking at the Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Sikh Center in the Queens neighbourhood of South Richmond Hill, Adams described the recent attacks against the community as a “stain” on the United States.

Addressing the Richmond Hill crowd, the New York Mayor gave a clarion call for educating people about Sikhism. “You are not about terror; you are about protector. That is what needs to be taught throughout this entire city. Our young people need to know that, our adults need to know that,” Adams was quoted as saying by PTI.

Describing the Sikh community as an “anchor” in the neighbourhood, Adams said: “Your turban does not mean terrorism. It means protecting, it means community, it means family, it means faith, it means city, it means us coming together. We will change the dialogue and narrative with you. We can do it together.” Adams and New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar met and addressed members of the Sikh community.

‘We don’t wear that in this country’

On October 15th, a 19-year-old Sikh youth fell victim to an attack perpetrated by a 26-year-old man named Christopher Philippeaux while aboard a bus in Richmond Hill. Philippeaux reportedly struck the Sikh teenager in the back of the head, attempted to dislodge his turban, and uttered, “We don’t wear that in this country.” In response to this incident, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Philippeaux faces charges of assault as a hate crime and aggravated harassment.

In a separate incident just days after the assault, 66-year-old Jasmer Singh became the target of an attack following a car collision. The driver of the other vehicle, 30-year-old Gilbert Augustin, allegedly assaulted the elderly Sikh man by striking him three times in the head and face. Tragically, Singh later succumbed to his injuries.

Violent senseless act

Describing the attack against Singh as a “violent senseless act,” Adams said “Jasmer should still be with us. He should still be with his son. He should still be living out the American dream, watching his son, who’s now an immigration attorney. “He should still be…part of this community. That dream turned into a nightmare the other day when his life was taken from us prematurely,” Adams said, flanked by Singh’s son Subeg Singh Multani and other members of the Sikh community.

Describing Sikhs as “protectors” of society, Rajkumar asserted that the hateful targeting of Sikhs is “not acceptable” and perpetrators of such violence will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of law. “For the first time, we are going to use the levers of government to end hate crimes against Sikh Americans. For the first time, we are going to come together and…educate…New York State, the United States and the entire world about who the Sikh people truly are so we are not attacked and misunderstood,” Rajkumar, the first Indian-American woman elected to New York State Office and who described herself as a “daughter of Punjab”, said.

‘Mayor Adams is our protector’

On behalf of herself and the Sikh community, Rajkumar presented the Mayor with a ‘Kirpan’, a mandatory article of faith in Sikhism. The sword, engraved with the words “New York City Mayor Adams is our protector”, is “to embolden you in your fight for our Sikh community,” Rajkumar said to Adams, amid slogans of ‘Bole So Nihaal, Sat Sri Akal’.

Rajkumar demanded that incidents of hate against Sikhs must be stopped. “This is our fight for civil rights. This is our demand. Stop the targeting of Sikh Americans and see the Sikhs for who we really are – the protectors of society, proud Americans with generous hearts.”

(With agency inputs)