Statement by the SAJBD on the vandalism of the Pretoria Hindu Seva Samaj

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) together with the SAJBD Pretoria Council condemn in the strongest possible terms the vandalism and desecration of the Shree Pretoria Hindu Seva Samaj last weekend. We stand in full solidarity with Mr Sanjay Govind, the leadership of the Samaj, and the entire South African Hindu community in the face of this deeply troubling act, and have expressed our sympathies directly with Mr. Govind.

This incident does not stand alone. It follows closely on the heels of the recent vandalism of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and together these attacks form a pattern that demands urgent attention. When houses of worship are targeted, it is an assault on identity, on belonging, and on the right of communities to practise their faith in peace and without fear.

The Jewish community knows that hatred directed at one community is a warning to all communities. Rhetoric that dehumanises, scapegoats, or singles out a people for contempt does not confine itself to words, and it must not be accepted in our society.

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies stands firmly against Hinduphobia and recognise that Hindu security and dignity is bound to the security and dignity of all South African religious communities. We remain committed to standing alongside all South African faith communities in building a society where no house of worship need fear desecration, and no community need worship in the shadow of hatred.