Unifying Sikhs Worldwide: Drawing Lessons from the Jewish Experience

Drawing upon the Historical Resilience of the Jewish Community to Empower and Organise the Sikh Community Globally

Introduction:

Discrimination and oppression have plagued communities throughout history, and the Sikh community has faced its share of challenges. To effectively counter such issues and ensure the welfare of Sikhs worldwide, it is valuable to learn from the experiences of other communities. One such community is the Jews, who have demonstrated resilience and unity in the face of adversity. Drawing inspiration from their history, the Sikh community can organize itself to address any instance or incident of discrimination and oppression against Sikhs worldwide, irrespective of their citizenship or place of permanent residence.

Comparing Histories:

The Jews and Sikhs share a painful history marred by persecution and violence. The Jews have faced centuries of persecution, including the horrors of the Holocaust, which sought to annihilate their entire population. Similarly, Sikhs have experienced genocidal attacks not only during the Mughal Empire but also during the invasions(s) of Ahmad Shah Abdali in the 18^th century. In the more recent past, the Sikhs have witnessed the most unfortunate “Operation Blue Star”  and have also been victims the organized pogroms of 1984, where thousands of lives were lost in major Indian cities like Delhi, Kanpur and Bokaro.

The persecution of Jews is a long and complex history that spans several millennia. Jews have faced discrimination, violence, and oppression at the hands of various groups throughout history. Here is a brief overview of the major periods of persecution faced by Jews down the ages:

1.      Ancient World - In ancient times, Jews faced persecution by the Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans. The destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE led to widespread persecution and diaspora of Jews across the Mediterranean.

2.      Middle Ages - During the Middle Ages, Jews faced persecution in Europe, particularly in Christian kingdoms, where they were often seen as outsiders and accused of various crimes, including blood libel and poisoning wells. The Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, and the Black Death led to widespread violence against Jews.

3.      Enlightenment and Modern Times - In the 18th and 19th centuries, Jews began to gain legal rights and freedoms in Europe, but they continued to face discrimination and persecution in many parts of the world. The rise of nationalism and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in the Holocaust, the systematic murder of six million Jews by Nazi Germany during World War II.

4.      Post-War - After the Holocaust, the world community recognized the need to protect the rights and safety of Jews, and the State of Israel was established in 1948 as a homeland for the Jewish people. However, Jews continue to face discrimination and violence in various parts of the world, including the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.

Overall, the persecution of Jews has been a recurring theme throughout history, and it has had a profound impact on Jewish culture, identity, and history.

The relatively younger Sikh community has also faced persecution and violence throughout their history, especially during the Mughal era in India and in more recent times. Here is a brief overview of some of the major periods of persecution faced by Sikhs:

1.      Mughal Era - The Mughal Emperor Babur and his successors, particularly Jahangir and Aurangzeb, persecuted the Sikhs for their religious beliefs and practices. Many Sikh Gurus were martyred, and their followers were subjected to torture and forced conversions.

2.      Afghan Invasions - Ahmad Shah Abdali, a ruler from Afghanistan, invaded India several times during the 18th century and committed atrocities against the Sikh community, including the mass killing of Sikh men, women, and children.

3.      Partition of India - The partition of India in 1947 led to widespread violence and riots, particularly in Punjab, where many Sikhs were targeted and killed by mobs.

4.      Punjabi Suba Movement - The demand for a separate Punjabi-speaking state, which eventually led to the creation of Punjab state in India, was marked by violence and clashes between Sikhs and non-Sikhs.

5.      Terrorism in Punjab - In the 1980s, Punjab witnessed a period of violence and terrorism, with Sikh militants demanding a separate Sikh state. This led to clashes with security forces and the assassination of several political leaders, and loss of thousands of valuable Sikh lives whether among the civilian population, the police or the terrorists.

6.      Operation Blue Star and 1984 anti-Sikh riots - In 1984, the Indian government launched a military operation against Sikh militants who had taken refuge in the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The operation resulted in the deaths of many innocent Sikh pilgrims, and it triggered anti-Sikh riots in Delhi and other parts of India, following the assassination of the the Indian Prime Minister, Mrs Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, in which thousands of Sikhs were killed.

Overall, the Sikh community has faced persecution and violence throughout their history, but they have also shown resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Today, Sikhs are a thriving community, both in India and around the world, and they continue to make significant contributions to society. However, being a globally mobile community with a relatively microscopic population, there is an urgent need for for the Sikhs to organise themselves at an international scale.

Population and Distribution:

According to the Jewish Virtual Library, the estimated global Jewish population as of 2021 is approximately 14.8 million, with the major countries with significant Jewish population being Israel (6.9 million), the United States (5.7 million), followed by France, Canada, the United Kingdom and Argentina.

Similarly, in understanding the global Sikh community, it is essential to examine its population and its geographical distribution. Presently, there are an estimated 26 million Sikhs worldwide, with an overwhelmingly large percentage residing in India (23 million), followed by Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, with not insignificant Sikh population. Punjab, in India, remains a central hub for Sikhs, accounting for nearly 76% of the population of Sikhs in India, and constituting about 58% of the State’s population.

There are several international organizations that work towards promoting and protecting the welfare of Jews around the world, irrespective of their citizenship or where they live. Some of the most notable organizations include:

1.      The World Jewish Congress (WJC) - The WJC is an international organization that represents Jewish communities and organizations in over 100 countries. It works to promote and defend the interests, rights, and welfare of Jews around the world through diplomacy, advocacy, and programming.

2.      The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) - The JAFI is a nonprofit organization that works to facilitate immigration to Israel, promote Jewish education and identity, and support communities and individuals in need around the world. It operates in over 70 countries and serves as a link between Jews worldwide and the State of Israel.

3.      The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) - The JDC is a global humanitarian organization that provides aid and assistance to Jewish communities and individuals in need around the world. Its programs focus on areas such as poverty relief, emergency response, Jewish identity, and community development.

4.      The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) - The ADL is an international civil rights organization that works to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of hate and bigotry. It monitors and exposes hate groups and extremist movements, provides education and training on diversity and inclusion, and advocates for legislation and policies that promote equality and justice.

These are just a few examples of the many international organizations that work towards ensuring the welfare of Jews across the world.

There are also several international organizations that work towards promoting and protecting the welfare of Sikhs around the world. Some of the most notable organizations include the World Sikh Organization (WSO), the Sikh Human Development Foundation (SHDF), the United Sikhs, these being just a few examples of the many international organizations that work towards ensuring the welfare of Sikhs across the world.

However, none of these has a truly global reach and most of them operate only in their respective niche areas. Thus there is need for the Sikh community to draw lessons from their Jewish brethren and organize themselves into a truly global and effective legal entity to act not only as a bulwark against anti-Sikh propaganda but also as an effective advocacy group to protect and project the rights of the Sikhs, globally. The comparison becomes meaningful not the least because the worldwide population of Jews and the Sikhs is approximately the same and that a large percentage thereof is concentrated in a small geographical areas respectively.

A Non-Secessionist Approach:

It is crucial to emphasize that this proposed effort does not endorse or espouse the cause of Khalistan as a sovereign Sikh state anywhere in the world. Instead, the focus is on countering discrimination and oppression faced by Sikhs, irrespective of their citizenship or place of residence. By adopting an inclusive approach, every Sikh, regardless of their citizenship or geographical location, would be eligible to be a part of the proposed organization and seek its aid and assistance, or conversely, contribute their mite to it.

Proposed Structure and Registration:

To effectively organize and protect Sikh interests globally, the proposed organization can adopt a structure that ensures broad representation. The organization could be registered in a country like Switzerland, known for its neutrality and respect for human rights. This choice would help minimize potential interference from any specific government and provide a favorable environment for the organization's activities.

Balancing Representation:

Given the diverse Sikh population across different countries, it is crucial to strike a balance in representation within the organization. The principle of equal representation for each country may lead to disproportionate weightage in favor of Punjab and India. To address this, the organization can adopt a model inspired by the United Nations, where representation considers both the Sikh population of a country and the principle of equal participation.

Cooperation, Collaboration, and Inter-Faith Dialogues:

The proposed organization should foster cooperation and collaboration with other Sikh institutions, inter-faith organizations, and human rights bodies. Engaging in inter-faith dialogues will promote understanding, tolerance, and unity among different communities. Additionally, the organization should actively work towards integrating Scheduled Caste Sikhs, ensuring their equal participation and addressing historical inequalities.

Engagement with Governments:

While the organization will function as an NGO, it should actively engage with governments and sub-national entities worldwide. By forging relationships and advocating for Sikh rights, the organization can collaborate with governments to address institutional discrimination and secure justice for Sikhs. Building partnerships with governmental and non-governmental entities will strengthen the organization's ability to effect change.

While this is a just a rudimentary framework, a more detailed proposal for the organization would require significant inputs and consultation, here are some of the key points that we can include:

1.      Name and Purpose: The organization can be called "International Sikh Council" (ISC) and its primary purpose would be to promote and spread the teachings and values of Sikhism across the world. ISC would aim to create awareness and understanding of Sikh culture, history, and traditions, and to promote interfaith harmony and respect for diversity.

2.      Membership: ISC membership would be open to individuals who identify as Sikh, irrespective of their country of origin, citizenship, or residency. Sahajdhari Sikhs and those who trim or cut their hair would also be eligible for membership. However, ISC would require that members adhere to the basic principles and values of Sikhism, as enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib.

3.      Governance: ISC would be governed by an executive committee that would be elected by the members. The executive committee would comprise of representatives from different regions and countries, with no more than two representatives from any one country. Whether the President of SGPC and Jathedar Akal Takht Sahib should be invited to attend ISC meetings as special invitees? To be decided by the Governing Council, keeping view the agenda of the meeting.

4.      Activities: ISC's activities would include organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops on Sikhism and related topics. It would also encourage research on Sikh history, art, culture, and literature. ISC would promote interfaith dialogue and work to build bridges between different communities. The organization would also engage in charitable activities and contribute towards humanitarian causes across the world.

5.      Language: ISC meetings and proceedings would be conducted in English, with interpretation services provided as needed. However, ISC would also encourage the use of Punjabi and Gurmukhi script, and would aim to promote the teaching and learning of Punjabi among its members.

6.      Funding: ISC would be funded through membership fees, donations, and grants from foundations and philanthropic organizations. It would be registered as a non-profit organization in a tax-friendly jurisdiction to minimize government interference.

7.      International Expansion: ISC would aim to expand its activities to different regions across the world, including Latin America, Russia, China, Japan, the Middle East, and Africa. To achieve this, it would work to establish partnerships with local organizations and individuals who share its values and objectives.

The proposed organization aims to undertake a range of activities focused on promoting the welfare, rights, and cultural heritage of Sikhs worldwide. These activities will not only address discrimination and oppression but also foster a sense of unity, understanding, and cooperation among Sikhs and with other communities.

1. Advocacy and Awareness: The organization will actively engage with governments, international bodies, and civil society organizations to advocate for the rights and fair treatment of Sikhs. It will work towards eliminating discriminatory practices, challenging stereotypes, and promoting religious freedom. By raising awareness about Sikhism, its values, and contributions, the organization will combat misconceptions and foster greater understanding and respect.

2. Education and Research: A key aspect of the organization's activities will be focused on education and research. It will strive to disseminate knowledge about Sikh art, culture, architecture, and the teachings of Sikh Gurus, as well as the verses of Bhagats included in Guru Granth Sahib. The organization will support academic research, organize seminars and conferences, and promote scholarly publications to deepen understanding and appreciation of Sikh heritage. Additionally, it will work to develop educational programs and resources to teach Sikh values, history, and ethics, both within Sikh communities and to the wider public.

3. Charitable Initiatives: The organization will actively engage in charitable activities aimed at uplifting marginalized Sikhs and promoting social welfare. It will support initiatives related to education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and community development, focusing on areas with significant Sikh populations. Through these initiatives, the organization will embody the Sikh principle of seva (selfless service) and contribute to the betterment of society at large.

By undertaking these diverse activities, the proposed organization seeks to empower Sikhs worldwide, strengthen their identity, protect their rights, and foster a sense of unity and solidarity. It will serve as a platform for collaboration, dialogue, and collective action, promoting Sikh values while embracing the principles of inclusivity, non-secessionism, and respect for the laws of the countries in which Sikhs reside. Overall, the ISC would be an inclusive and non-political organization that would focus on promoting the universal values of Sikhism and fostering interfaith harmony and respect for diversity.

Conclusion:

By drawing lessons from the experiences of the Jewish community and their ability to organize and counter discrimination, Sikhs can establish a global organization to safeguard their rights and promote Sikh values and culture. This inclusive effort, which explicitly denounces secessionist movements and focuses on countering discrimination, holds the potential to create a united front against oppression. Through cooperation, collaboration, and engagement, Sikhs worldwide can work towards a future where equality, justice, and respect are cherished values for all.

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Author: KBS Sidhu, retired in 2021 after 37 years of service as a Punjab cadre IAS officer.

Photographs clicked by the author.

((Please let me know if you have a better source of demographic statistics))

kbs.sidhu@gmail.com