March 10th 2008, marks the 49th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising
New Year Eve Party organized by RTYC, NY & NJ
Photo Courtesy of Tenzin Lekshay
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New York Religious Leaders Issued Joint Statement on Tibet By Tibetan Community of NY & NJ (tcnynj@gmail.com>) Published: April 8, 2008
New York: April 7, 2008: Religious leaders from the tri-state area representing different faiths called upon the US government and the United Nations to prevail upon the Chinese communist government to immediately halt the ongoing brutal crackdown on Tibetans in Tibet, release all those detained in connection with these demonstrations and work towards a peaceful resolution of the Tibet issue by engaging in official negotiations at the highest level with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in a joint statement issued yesterday.
Religious leaders from Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, American Indian faiths and over 1500 supporters, including Tibetans, gathered at The Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew in New York for an Interfaith Prayer Ceremony for Peace in Tibet and offered their prayers for those who have died and those who continue to suffer as tensions escalate inside of Tibet. A Chinese Buddhist group was amongst the religious representatives who offered prayers.
The organizers of the Interfaith Prayer Ceremony include The Congregation of B'nai Jeshurun, The Interfaith Center of New York, Jewel Heart, the Buddhist Council of New York, The Temple of Understanding, New York Open Center, The Tibet Fund and The Gere Foundation.
"This situation is indeed very, very sad. It is clear that the Chinese authorities have had complete control over Tibet for 50 years but have failed to win the heart of the people. My hope is that there be no violence and peaceful demonstrators arrested by the authorities are released immediately," said Ven. Gelek Rinpoche, Founder of the Jewel Heart.
Richard Gere, President and Founder of the Gere Foundation who read out the 12-point appeal letter signed by a group of 30 Chinese scholars, earlier said "We're speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves. We're talking about the violation of each Tibetan's right to religious and cultural freedom. For those who care about human rights, who care about our Tibetan brothers and sisters, who care about our Chinese brothers and sisters, it is our responsibility to speak out on behalf of those who have been denied these rights. It is an honor to join this special group of people of so many faiths and express our solidarity."
Expressing his support for the event, Very Rev. James Parks Morton, Founder of the Interfaith Center of New York said, "The interfaith community of New York: Jews, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and Native Americans, are honored to support the Tibetan People in their struggle for religious and cultural freedom."
Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Mr. Tashi Wangdi expressed his profound disappointment over the continued crackdown on Tibetan people and urged the Chinese leadership to bring an immediate end to the brutality against Tibetans.
"The gathering was, without a doubt, a very successful and moving experience for everyone who attended. I believe this was a truly special occasion which showed that the people of the world stand with the Tibetan people and support their aspirations for freedom, human rights and justice. We are honored to forward The Joint Statement of Religious leaders to the UN High Commissioner of Refugees and members of congress in Washington, with a copy for President Bush. We believe that it will make a significant impact on the rising tide of concern being voiced around the world." Said Mike, who drove all the way from Upstate New York to show support and offer prayers for Tibetans, whom he calls 'my brothers and sisters.'
Beginning March 10, 2008, the 49th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day against the Communist Chinese rule in Tibet, Tibetans all over Tibet have bravely staged a series of peaceful demonstrations to voice their long standing resentment over the repressive policies of the Chinese government. The Chinese government has responded with brute force, with their security forces beating protesters and firing live ammunition into crowds which included women and children. Tibetan areas and monasteries have been cordoned off, curfews imposed, phone lines shut down, and house-to-house manhunts begun, as large military deployments moved in. Tibetan sources confirm that at least 148 Tibetans have been killed and countless more are missing, many of who are feared to be dead. According to official Chinese sources, at least 1,080 Tibetans have been arrested or have turned themselves in Lhasa area alone.
Felice Gaer, representing, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, while emphasizing the need for religious freedom in Tibet, highlighted her organization's press release which called on President George W. Bush not to attend the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing this summer unless there is substantial improvement in respecting Tibetans' religious freedom, including by opening direct and concrete talks with the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Buddhists' spiritual leader.
Mr. Rinchen Dharlo, President of the Tibet Fund and organizing committee member for the service presented the concluding remark of the service with Action Alert note for the ongoing crisis in Tibet, followed by presentation of khada (Tibetan ceremonial scarf) to the religious leaders and speakers by the leader of five prominent organizations of New York and New Jersey comprising of Tibetan Community, Youth Congress, Women's Association, USTC, and SFT. The five organizations who have been organizing regular protests in New York since March 10 provided all necessary assistance for the service – manual and financial.
The event concluded with a Candle Light Vigil and singing of 'We Shall Overcome', creating a moment of catharsis on many who marched towards the Roosevelt Park.
