Salem Police Seek Witnesses to Sikh Temple Vandalism

Salem Police say they aren't backing off on their search for the person or persons responsible for what many in the community see as a hate crime.

Photo by: Kevin Hays

(SALEM) - Salem Police Lt. Bill Kohlmeyer says officers are continuing to investigate a recent case of vandalism at the Sikh Temple, located at 860 Oakhill Avenue S.E. in south Salem. It happened early on the morning of July 27th.

Kohlmeyer says the 6:30 AM incident involved the burning of the Sikh flag known as The Khanda, which is the emblem of the Sikh faith and beliefs.

It is believed that the act of vandalism was a hate crime because Sikhs have been singled out since the attacks on the United States on September 11th, 2001.

Sikh men often wear their hair very long, and consequently the culture adapted the turban as a standard form of dress.

Ignorant Americans as recently as last week in California, continue to attack and harrass Sikhs over their different appearance. The Sikh in Santa Clara last week was standing with a grandchild when he was stabbed in his front yard.

Ironically, the Sikhs have themselves been the enemies of terrorists in their native India for centuries. Brave warriors when they have had to be, the Sikhs believe in a single God and their system is not entirely different from the Christian belief, that is in non-violence.

In fact, a quick review of the Bible indicates that Jesus did not want men to wage war against one another. There was another part about not having a vengeance and forgiving others for mistakes. It occurred to me that it might be good reading material for the nation's political and religious leaders, and the general public, who sometimes correlate ideology with the way people dress and appear.

So local racists and haters of other cultures should beware, because the local police are educated and they know that Sikhs are often victimized, that they do not represent any kind of a danger, except maybe to terrorists back in Punjab, India where they originate from.

Punjab by the way, is a long way from Baghdad. Salem Police say the vandalism at the temple involved a flag symbolizing the Sikh faith being burned, along with other acts of vandalism to the property.

In fact, firefighters said at the time that their timing was good; the fire could have devastated the bulding if it hadn't been observed and reported in time. Salem Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed this incident or have any information on the case to contact Det Sgt. Gordon Albert at 503-588-6050 ext 7164.

Related articles on Salem-News.com

Sikh Man Stabbed in California: salem-news.com/articles/august022006/Sikh_Stabbing_8106.php

Fire at South Salem Temple Believed to be a Hate Crime: salem-news.com/articles/july232006/hatecrime_salem_72206.php

Worshipers at South Salem Temple Believe the Burning of Their Flag is an Act of Terrorism: salem-news.com/articles/july242006/temple_update_72406.php

Salem Police And Fire Investigating Suspicious Fire at South Salem Temple: salem-news.com/articles/july222006/church_arson_72106.php