UNITED SIKHS Briefs NY Judges at Multifaith Awareness Event

In the Court building on 88-11 Soothing Boulevard; Jamaica; New York, a Multifaith meeting took place last month organised by the Interfaith Centre of New York and the Council of Queens County Judges. The meeting was an opportunity to introduce the religious diversity of the area to the Judges Council as well as to shed light on the problems and issues facing the communities. Four representatives of the Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist and Sikh communities were given a chance to present a short presentation on their respective religions and answer questions relating to their religious principles. The Judges were from Queens and belonged to different Courts of Law, such as Criminal, Civic and Family Law.

The event was organised by the Interfaith Centre’s Director of Programming, Matt Weiner. Founded in 1997 in New York, the centre serves as an educational organisation which strives to promote and encourage the religious diversity of New York and the world through education. The Centre wishes to increase respect, mutual understanding and fellowship between different religious and cultural groups.

UNITED SIKHS’ Multifaith Director in New York, Rabinder Singh was invited to talk on the Sikh religion and to also bring the Judges attention to issues facing the Sikh Community in New York. Rabinder Singh gave a brief history of Sikhism, leading up to the birth of the Khalsa and highlighting the importance of seva and community to the Panth. He also mentioned the role of Sikhs as soldiers and emissaries of justice during the occupation of the British in India and the subsequent days after the Raj, again emphasising one of the tenets of Sikhism: to protect against injustice and serve the greater good.

In addition to the presentations, Rabinder Singh also talked about UNITED SIKHS and the work currently being undertaken. He particularly mentioned how the organisation is helping the aid efforts and the victims of the Hurricane Katrina and Asian earthquake disasters.

Chairing the meeting was Judge Leslie Leech who thanked the attendees and wished to “have similar meetings with the representatives to allow them to understand the Judges perspective.” Matt Weiner added, “It is an ongoing programme and will be considered at the next meeting”. Rabinder Singh also remarked on the success of the evening: “One could feel the powerful atmosphere in the room with so many senior judges there listening to you so attentively”.

To read about other multi-faith activities please click https://unitedsikhs.org/united-sikhs-leads-sikh-delegation-at-prayer-for-opening-of-60th-session-of-the-united-nations-general-assembly/

Issued by:
Manpreet Kaur
UNITED SIKHS
Tel: 1-646 338 5996 (Toll-free: 1-888-243-1690)
contact@unitedsikhs.org