PRESS RELEASE: Chicago Hindu group meets survivors, surveys devastation, and calls for global action against rising extremism
Israel — December 5, 2025 — A 15-member Indian-American (Hindu) delegation from Chicago, USA, visited Israel at the invitation of the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a 5-day educational and diplomatic tour. The delegation traveled through Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, and several key institutions, gaining firsthand insight into Israel’s innovation ecosystem, security challenges, and cultural resilience.
The most significant and emotional part of the visit was the delegation’s tour of the October 7, 2023 attack site near the Gaza border — the location where Islamic terrorists brutally murdered 1,200 innocent civilians, including babies, unborn babies, children, women, men, and the elderly. Nearly 5,500 Islamic terrorists, along with around 1,500 additional infiltrators, carried out widespread violence: burning homes, destroying roughly 1,650 cars and ambulances, assaulting civilians, attacking a music festival, and committing horrific acts, including sexual violence. Delegates described the scale of brutality as “beyond imagination.”
The group also met survivors, many of whom shared deeply painful personal accounts. Adam, one survivor, recounted scenes of burning vehicles, trapped civilians, and overwhelming destruction. His testimony reminded members of the delegation of past tragedies faced by Hindus — including the 2001 Godhra train burning in Gujarat that burnt 59 innocent Hindus alive and the recent Pahelgam killings in Kashmir where 26 Hindu men were brutally killed by Jihadis in front of their wives and kids after identifying them as Hindus. Delegates noted the disturbing pattern: “Such atrocities have been happening for decades while much of the world remains silent.”
Adam also warned that Americans must remain vigilant, noting that extremist threats can emerge anywhere — especially as global Islamic terrorism has risen in the decades following 9/11.
Delegate Hemant Patel emphasized that organized violence of this magnitude stems from long-term radicalization, indoctrination, and the glorification of martyrdom, rewards in Jannat (heaven) often beginning in childhood. Many of the attackers carried out what was effectively a suicide mission — making the October 7 massacre the second-largest mass killing of Jews since the Holocaust. According to global terrorism monitoring source ( https://www.thereligionofpeace.com/ ), more than 48,500 terrorist attacks have occurred worldwide since 9/11 in 24 years alone, including 740 in Israel, 101 in the United States, and 2,500 in India. Historical estimates also indicate that millions of Jews and more than 80 million Hindus have been killed over many centuries due to religiously targeted violence.
Mr. Patel further said that anyone influenced by victim card narratives and quick to criticize Israel’s response should first visit the site and witness the devastation firsthand. He emphasized the need to support global ‘Never Again’ efforts and urged international leaders — including the United Nations — to address the root causes of extremist radicalization, including the indoctrination of children in any institution or book that promotes hatred or violence. Terrorists die to kill innocents; Israeli soldiers die to save them. The difference says it all. He stressed that unless the world confronts this issue with urgency and honesty, future generations everywhere will suffer.
Special appreciation was extended to the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Consul General Delphine Gamburg, and Coordinator Daniella Rozen for accompanying the delegation and providing exceptional hospitality. Delegates felt deep respect for America, India, Israel, and the Hindu community.
The visit also highlighted Israel’s remarkable innovation ecosystem and the resilience of its people, whose technological, agricultural, and medical contributions continue to benefit the world.
Delegates described the tour as “unforgettable and profoundly educational,” adding that the trip further strengthened US–Israel–India relations and deepened Jewish–Hindu ties. Experiencing the attack site firsthand, they said, reinforced the urgent need for the world to address the rising threat of Islamic terrorism and extremism.
Delegates described the tour as “unforgettable and profoundly educational,” adding that the trip further strengthened US–Israel–India relations and deepened Jewish–Hindu ties. Experiencing the attack site firsthand, they said, reinforced the urgent need for the world to address the rising threat of Islamic terrorism and extremism.
Written By –Hemant Patel, Delegate to Israel & Community Leader
(This Press Release has been published as received)
