An Entire Family was Kidnapped and Killed
We see the news reports every day – a man shot in this city.., a woman shot in this town.., 2 friends killed while…, 10 killed, 5 injured this weekend in this city… These are nameless, faceless people who are injured or killed daily in America.
But the news reports that Aroohi Dheri, an 8-month-old girl; her mother, Jasleen Kaur, 27; father, Jasdeep Singh, 36; and uncle Amandeep Singh, 39, from Merced were kidnapped then later found dead, was heartbreaking.
An entire family was kidnapped and killed for some kind of vendetta. The Sikh community in the entire central valley went into mourning. And the questions are the same wherever and whenever these types of killings occur: Why? Who could do this?
The Interfaith Vigil at the Capitol on October 10th, 2022, brought faith leaders together to say, “WE ARE HERE WITH YOU”. Many expressed sympathy and heartbreak that this could happen and hoped that the person responsible will be punished for their crimes. Let us continue to pray for the souls of those who are losing their lives daily, for this family that passed way too young, and for an end to these daily killings.
In the Sikh religion, prayer is very important. “Prayer may be the most powerful tool we have for personal and global transformation. Personal prayers and the prayers of a united community provide a direct link and connection to the Divine. All things become possible and exalted.”
Serene Erby
President