LAWRENCE: Local Sikhs cite strength of community

By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
   The shooting deaths of six members in a Sikh gurdwara, or house of worship, in Oak Creek, Wisc., earlier this week has raised concerns among members of Sikh Sabha of New Jersey in Lawrence, but the group has vowed to continue with its usual activities.
   The six victims were shot to death by Wade Michael Page, a self-described neo-Nazi. Three others were injured, including the first police officer to respond to the scene. Page was shot to death by another police officer who was sent for back-up.
   ”Obviously, we do have concerns when these things happen,” said a member of Sikh Sabha of New Jersey, whose gurdwara is located at 282 Bakers Basin Road. The member asked not to be identified by name.
   The man said this is not the first time Sikhs have been targeted for violence in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. Because of their turbans and beards — which are required by the Sikh religion — they are often mistaken for Muslims.
   The homes of Sikhs have been vandalized and Sikh children have been bullied in school, he said. He pointed to an incident that occurred in Hightstown several years ago that involved a boy whose turban was deliberately set on fire by another student.
   ”Are these incidents going to be ongoing? These are things we are concerned about, but we are here and we are part of the community. Our faith is community based. It doesn’t matter what race or creed or sex you are,” said the man, who was born and raised in Mercer County.
   Meanwhile, the Lawrence Township Police Department has been paying attention to the gurdwara since the incident, said Chief Daniel Posluszny. He plans to address the members of the Sikh Sabha of New Jersey on Sunday.
   ”I have no concerns (about their safety). We have no information (about threats). It apparently was an isolated incident,” Chief Posluszny said of the Wisconsin shooting.
   In a written statement released by Sikh Sabha of New Jersey Inc., the group said it was “deeply shocked and saddened by the senseless shooting at the gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisc. We offer our condolences and support to the families of those killed or injured in the attack, as well as the larger community of Oak Creek.
   ”This incident yet again tests our resolve as Americans to be a strong, peaceful and united community of diverse races, faiths and beliefs. As Sikhs, we believe in pluralism and everyone’s right to practice their faith freely,” the statement said.
   ”In honor of those killed or injured, we urge all Americans to stand up for our collective values and let it be known to those who think otherwise that we will not let them break us. We also urge everyone to visit local gurdwaras in their communities to express their solidarity with fellow Sikh Americans,” it said.
   A candelight vigil and special prayer service in memory of the Sikhs who were killed were slated to be held Wednesday at the Sikh Sabha of New Jersey gurdwara as The Ledger went to press. Mayor Jim Kownacki and Assemblyman Dan Benson were slated to speak.