The Hindu American Foundation interacts with Jewish American leaders
at the Annual Policy Conference of the American Israel Public
Affairs Committee (AIPAC), May 16-18, 2004.

DATE: May 29, 2004
TO: MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES
FROM: HINDU AMERICAN FOUNDATION

The leadership of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF)
(www.hinduamericanfoundation.org) interacted with several Jewish
leaders from across the United States during the Annual Policy
Conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)
in Washington, D.C., May 16-18, 2004 (www.aipac.org). HAF, the only
Hindu organization present at the annual conference attended by the
most prominent U.S. elected officials including President George W.
Bush, represented Hindu Americans during discussions that followed a
breakout session devoted to Indian-Israeli relations.

HAF President, Mihir Meghani, M.D., recalled the history of Hindu-
Jewish amity that began with the arrival of Jews to India nearly
2000 years ago. "The history of Jews in an India guided by the
Hindu ethos of tolerance and pluralism is unique," said Dr.
Meghani. "India is held in high esteem by many Jews throughout the
world as Indian Jews never witnessed a single instance of anti-
Semitism."

HAF members discussed the scourge of terrorism faced by India and
Israel, and conveyed the security issues facing Hindus globally to
AIPAC leaders. HAF emphasized the many values shared by Hindu
Americans and Jewish Americans: a determined work ethic, family
values, a non-proselytizing, tolerant religion, and a respect for
life and religious freedom.

"Hindus in America seek to emulate the varied achievements of the
accomplished Jewish Diaspora in our shared home—the United States.
The Hindu American Foundation joins Jewish Americans today as we
work together to promote a more peaceful, tolerant and pluralist
world that respects and recognizes the eternal contributions of two
of the world's oldest religions—Hinduism and Judaism," added Dr.
Meghani.

The recently formed Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is a human
rights group whose purpose is to provide a voice for the 2 million
strong Hindu American community. HAF interacts with and educates
government, media, think tanks, academia and public fora about
Hinduism and issues of concern to Hindus locally and globally.
Promoting the Hindu and American ideals of understanding, tolerance
and pluralism, HAF stands strong against hate, discrimination,
defamation and terror.

TO CONTACT HAF

For further information, please visit
www.hinduamericanfoundation.org or contact HAF's Spokesperson, Ms.
Suhag Shukla, Esq. at info@.... For urgent
inquiries, you may call (510) 396-2745.

HAF is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization not aligned
or affiliated with any political entity, party or organization.