The Interfaith Council of Greater Sacramento felt incredibly blessed to be invited to this Interfaith Vigil Monday, October 10, at the Capitol. Sister Hansa from the Brahma Kumaris and Dick MacFarlane from Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints attended.
‘You never have to feel alone’: Sikh community, Sacramento leaders hold vigil for slain Merced family.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
The Sacramento-area Sikh community and local leaders showed their support Monday night for a Sikh family from Merced County that was kidnapped and murdered last week.
Closer to one hundred people gathered at the west steps of the state Capitol to honor the lives of Jasdeep Singh, Jasleen Kaur, their 8-month-old daughter Aroohi Dheri, and the baby’s uncle Amandeep Singh. Authorities said all four were kidnapped and murdered – and Jesus Salgado, a former employee of the family’s trucking business, was charged Monday in connection to their deaths.
“I think all of us just really felt like a part of us was lost,” Singh said. “We’re hoping that these types of vigils are sending a message of love and unity to that family, but also to all the other folks who are showing up and showing that support to us.”
Many in the community said they are leaning on their faith during this difficult time, and many expressed concerns for the young ones impacted by what happened.
“If there’s anything we can do together, we’ll contact the families for the kids. We know they have small children left behind,” Sikh Temple Sacramento President Balbir Dhillon said.
But it was not just the Sikh community that was in attendance. People of all backgrounds stood united, saying their heartfelt condolences go out to loved ones suffering right now.