Indian-American Congressman’s community centre defaced with pro-Palestine graffiti

Indian-origin US Congressman Shri Thanedar’s community centre in Detroit was defaced seemingly by pro-Palestinian protesters. An “X” was painted across his photograph and the words “racist”, “ceasefire” and “Free Palestine” were also spray-painted on the walls of his community centre.

The Indian-American politician had expressed pro-Israel opinions after the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7 last year.

The vandalism of his centre comes at a time when pro-Palestine protests are spreading across US universities. Students have set up encampments on the campuses and have faced a crackdown by law enforcement authorities too.

As per Thanedar’s office, a police report has been lodged over the defacement of the community centre in Detroit.

Thanedar has also commented on the defacement, saying it was neither an “isolated incident” nor a “productive form of communication”.

These acts create nothing but fear and division during a time that depends on open conversation and discourse.”

“In the past, I have dealt with other unproductive forms of protest. One that turned violent at a holiday party last December and another consisting of individuals demonstrating at my home at 3 in the morning. These incidents ended with people in the hospital and my loved ones feeling unsafe in their own bedrooms,” he said.

“In this case, a place designed to bring our community together was vandalised in a way that seeks to drive it apart.” He concluded, “I am always open to productive and respectful dialogue, but this kind of vandalism is simply unacceptable.”

A few months ago, protestors had also gathered in front of his house after Thanedar decided to leave the Democratic Socialists of America for not condemning Hamas’ violence.

After the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel which killed 1,139 people, Thanedar wrote on his website, “In this time of great international uncertainty, it is now more important than ever before to reaffirm as a people, and as a nation, our unequivocal support for the state of Israel, the lone Democracy in the Middle East and one of our closest, and strongest, allies across the globe.”

This did not sit well with pro-Palestinian protestors even then. They gathered in front of his house and blamed him for his “silence” on the atrocities faced by Palestinians. Protestors stood in line with their cars in front of his house, and they kept honking and screaming.

The protestors were heard saying, “You are complicit in the bombing of Gazaâ€æ Your silence is violence. Your silence is abhorrent, and we will not let you sleep!”

Thanedar has also been vocal about the rising Hinduphobia and the attacks on Hindus in the US. He recently joined a group of Hindu leaders who raised their concerns about the growing Hinduphobia in the US. Thanedar is trying to help reduce hate crime against Hindus in the US, he said.

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