Hindu and Jewish leaders have joined forces on a seven-city US speaking tour aimed at addressing rising discrimination and strengthening ties between the two communities. Organised by HinduACTion, the tour brought together faith leaders, civic activists, policy experts, and community members in Washington, D.C., New York, Texas, Ohio, San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles.The initiative was led by HinduACTion Executive Director Utsav Chakrabarti, Communications Director Adelle Nazarian, and Israeli educator Uri Goldflam. It aimed to provide practical tools to counter disinformation, institutional bias, and marginalisation, while fostering dialogue and collaborative strategies between the communities.
The big picture
The tour coincided with the two-year anniversary of fatal attacks on Israel by Hamas and other organisations, and the release of Israeli hostages. It also aligned with the veto of SB 509, a bill requiring law enforcement training on “transnational repression,” which had drawn criticism from Hindu rights groups in the US. These events highlighted the broader context of challenges faced by minority communities in the US and abroad.The tour emphasised the shared history of cultural resilience, and survival of both Hindu and Jewish communities, providing a platform to exchange strategies for addressing contemporary challenges. Over seven stops, speakers highlighted the ways Hindu and Jewish communities are targeted in educational systems and through government-funded entities, equipping attendees with actionable strategies to respond. Sessions focused on practical empowerment, community-building, and enhancing narrative visibility.Chakrabarti noted, “Our communities share not only millennia-old histories but also modern challenges. We are facing increasingly sophisticated attempts to marginalise us — and it’s time to unite our voices, strategies, and resources to push back.”Nazarian added, “This tour was about empowerment. We gave attendees practical tools to identify and confront disinformation and institutional bias, and we built meaningful bridges between two communities that refuse to be silenced.”Goldflam drew on his experience as an educator and veteran to emphasise the need for solidarity, vigilance, and coordinated response to antisemitism and anti-Hindu hate, highlighting how these biases manifest across different societal arenas.
Why it matters
Community resilience: The tour highlighted strategies to resist marginalisation and maintain cultural narratives in the face of systemic challenges.Interfaith collaboration: By bringing together Hindu and Jewish leaders, the initiative demonstrates how cross-community alliances can respond collectively to rising hate.Policy awareness: Linking discussions to SB 509 and broader issues of transnational repression shows how legislation and public policy intersect with community safety and rights.
Key players behind Hindu-Jewish unity
HinduACTion: Lead organiser, providing advocacy, education, and community support for Hindu Americans.Utsav Chakrabarti: Executive Director of HinduACTion, leading the initiative to strengthen interfaith bonds.Adelle Nazarian: Communications Director, focusing on community engagement and empowerment.Uri Goldflam: Israeli educator and veteran, providing insight on antisemitism and coordinated strategies.Supporting organisations: American Jewish Committee (AJC), Hindus of DFW, Stand with Us, Jewish National Fund-USA, End Jew Hate, and Building Bridges.The veto of SB 509, which was intended to mandate law enforcement training on transnational repression, was strongly contested by Hindu groups, reflecting ongoing concerns about representation, safety, and the effectiveness of government measures to address discrimination.
What’s next
The tour has established a foundation for continued interfaith dialogue, community mobilisation, and collaborative advocacy. Organisers indicated plans to follow up with local initiatives in each city and to expand engagement with faith leaders, civic activists, and policymakers.By providing tools for disinformation awareness, legal and institutional literacy, and narrative-building, the initiative aims to ensure sustained cooperation between Hindu and Jewish communities in combating hate, marginalisation, and societal bias. Go to Source
