AJC: Hindu Prayer in U.S. Senate Promotes Diversity
July 17, 2007 - New York - The American Jewish Committee is deeply troubled by the verbal assault on Rajan Zed, a Hindu religious leader who delivered the opening prayer on the Senate floor last week.
"Senate Majority leader Harry Reid's invitation to Rajan Zed to become the first Hindu to deliver an opening prayer is a testament to our national commitment to promoting ideals of diversity in every facet of American society," said Richard T. Foltin, AJC's Legislative Director and Counsel.
Rajan Zed, who is the director of interfaith relations at a Hindu temple in Reno, Nevada, was interrupted by protesters in the Senate gallery who shouted hateful words during his prayer. Capitol police immediately removed the protestors.
A morning prayer has been offered on the Senate floor every day for over 200 years. Although there is an in-house chaplain, guest prayer leaders have been a popular custom since 1857.
This distinguished honor has been the place of many firsts in American history. The first African American delivered the prayer in 1965, the first woman in 1971, and the first Muslim in 1992.
Ari M. Gordon Assistant Director Department of Interreligious Affairs American Jewish Committee 165 E56th St. New York, NY 10022 (212) 891-6768 (212) 751-4000 x266 www.ajc.org www.engagingamerica.org