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    Posted August 7, 2012 by
    MelissaF
    Location
    Santa Ana, California
    Assignment
    Assignment
    This iReport is part of an assignment:
    Sikh community speaks out

    More from MelissaF

    Sikh Prayer and Candlelight Vigil

     

    CNN PRODUCER NOTE     MelissaF says she went to the vigil held in Santa Ana, California, to offer her sympathies and pray with the Sikh community. "I was sad to hear that Sikhs were again a target of such hate," she says. "What really stands out to me is there willingness to pray for the shooter and his family. This Gurdwara is having an open house on Sunday. I suggest everyone check with their local Gurdwaras and go and break bread with them. Get to know your neighbors."
    - Anika3, CNN iReport producer

    The Sikh Gurdwara of Orange County in Santa Ana, California held a prayer and candlelight vigil for the victims and the shooter of the Wisconsin temple rampage.

     

    The mood was melancholy for the members of the Gurdwara. They were more heartbroken than anything. There was no hate or revenge spoken of, just prayers.

     

    The Sikhs are a peaceful people who have been mistaken as Muslims and receivers of hate crimes since 9/11. Hate crimes are bad enough, let alone being a victim of an ignorant attacker who doesn't even know how to identify persons at the epicenter of their hate.

     

    I grieve for those lost at the Wisconsin Gurdwara. I was full of anger, but if the Sikhs can forgive and pray for the shooter than so can I. The United States needs an interfaith movement in order to become as one and extinguish all the hate.

     

    The Sikh Gurdwara of Orange County will be holding an Open House next Sunday. Check your local Gurdwara and see if they are also having one. Get to know your neighbors and break bread with them.

     

    Tab 1-4- The Candlelight Vigil on August 6, 2012 at the Sikh Gurdwara of Orange County, California.

     

    Tab 5- Muslim leader Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi of the Islamic Society of Orange County showing support by attending prayers at the Sikh Gurdwara of Orange County.

     

    Tab 6- Member of the Sikh Gurdwara of Orange County wearing an American Flag as a turban, also known as a dastar.

     

    Tab 7- Video of Bhoopi Kohli of Ladera Ranch, California leading the prayer at the Sikh Gurdwara of Orange County.

     

    Twitter: @HitsandMisses
    website: melissafazli.com

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