(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Washington, DC) Statement of SALDEF and the Sikh American community on the tragic events at the Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the Oak Creek community following this tragic attack at the Oak Creek, Wisconsin Gurdwara. The Sikh American community, like all Americans, is shocked after this attack. We mourn the loss of those killed today and pray for the swift recovery of the those injured, including the veteran police officer who put himself in harms way to protect his community. Houses of worship, like the gurdwara, are places of peace. Attacks at any of the nation’s houses of worship must be condemned by all Americans. This type of crime strikes at the very foundation of religious tolerance, the principle upon which this country was built. We thank our friends and neighbors from across the country for the outpouring of support and condolences as we come together to recover from the attack.” More information on Sikhism: http://saldef.wpengine.com/learn-about-sikhs/ ##END## About Sikh Americans: The Sikh religion was founded in South Asia over 500 years ago by Guru Nanak. There are more than 25 million Sikhs throughout the world and approximately 700,000 adherents of the Sikh religion in the United States. Observant Sikhs are distinguished by dastaars (Sikh turbans), uncut hair, and other articles of faith. About SALDEF: Founded in 1996, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is the oldest Sikh American civil rights and educational organization in the country. SALDEF’s mission is to protect the civil rights of all Americans and ensure a fostering environment in the United States for Sikh Americans. SALDEF empowers Sikh Americans through educational outreach, media relations, leadership development and legal and legislative advocacy. More at: www.saldef.org
