On July 19th, the Hindu Heritage Centre in Mississauga, Ontario was vandalized for the fifth time in 2021. The temple, which serves as a community hub for Hindus in the area, had anti-Hindu and anti-India graffiti spray-painted on its walls. This attack is part of a larger trend of hate crimes against South Asian communities in Canada, which have increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial that authorities take action to address these hate crimes and protect vulnerable communities.
The Hindu Heritage Centre has been a target of vandalism since January 2021, with previous attacks involving broken windows and damage to the temple’s exterior. The most recent incident, however, is particularly concerning as it involved explicit messages of hate towards Hindus and India. The graffiti included phrases such as “Hindu scum” and “India out of Khalistan,” referencing the separatist movement in Punjab. These messages not only target the temple, but also the South Asian community as a whole, and contribute to a culture of fear and division.
This attack is part of a larger trend of hate crimes against South Asian communities in Canada. According to a report by the National Council of Canadian Muslims, there has been a significant increase in hate crimes targeting Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and other South Asian communities since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is due in part to racist rhetoric that blames these communities for the spread of the virus. It is crucial that authorities take action to address this issue and protect vulnerable communities from further harm. This includes investing in education and awareness campaigns to combat racism and hate, as well as increasing support for victims of hate crimes.
In conclusion, the recent attack on the Hindu Heritage Centre in Mississauga is part of a larger trend of hate crimes against South Asian communities in Canada. It is important that authorities take action to address this issue and protect vulnerable communities from further harm. This includes investing in education and awareness campaigns, increasing support for victims of hate crimes, and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. We must work together to create a society that is inclusive and free from hate and discrimination.
