The protestor in the NY Post article is HfHR ED Sunita Viswanath

Yesterday, representatives from Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR) joined hundreds of peacemakers outside the New York Stock Exchange, demanding an end to the violence in Gaza. The air was filled with powerful chants of "Let Gaza live!" and "Up up with liberation, down down with occupation!" as they stood alongside 500 mostly Jewish allies, united in their commitment to justice. The demonstration, led by Jewish Voice for Peace, took place on October 14th, coinciding with the official recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day. The symbolic choice of this date highlighted the solidarity between movements for indigenous rights and the struggle for Palestinian freedom.

Nerisha and Sunita Viswanath represented HfHR, carrying with them symbols of their faith and values: an angavastram from their Prema Yatra and the Indian flag. The angavastram, draped over their heads, symbolized the journey for love, peace, and the courage to speak out. Traditionally, an angavastram signifies respect and spiritual commitment in Hindu culture, and here it served as a visible reminder of the call for justice. The Indian flag, with its deep ties to the independence struggle, represented the hope for freedom and self-determination for all peoples, including Palestinians.

As they stood there, they also witnessed a dramatic sit-in by Jewish allies, many risking arrest to make their voices heard. Their demands were clear and urgent: an end to Israel’s genocide in Gaza and accountability for war-profiteering corporations like Raytheon and Lockheed, whose actions fuel the ongoing mass violence.

Together, the representatives from HfHR and their allies demonstrated that faith and moral duty compel us to stand with those who suffer, wherever they may be. It was deeply moving to witness this act of solidarity and faith in action, with chants echoing through the streets of Wall Street, turning a space of global finance into a stage for justice and human dignity. The actions of those who sat in, risking arrest, were a profound testament to the urgency of the moment and the moral imperative to stand against violence and oppression.

This gathering renewed the commitment of HfHR and its allies to building a movement rooted in justice and peace. The representatives left with a strengthened resolve, knowing that change is possible when we refuse to give in to despair and when we speak with one voice against injustice.

Catch a few of the moments from the day in these tweets, and join us in keeping the call for peace alive: https://buff.ly/3Np5RgB