Hamilton Spectator
HAMILTON, ONTARIO, CANADA, September 13, 2003: In the aftermath of 9-11, the Hindu Samaj Temple in Hamilton was destroyed by arson in a hate-crime attack. Two years have passed since that trying time, and the Hindu community expects to open a new temple in November of this year. However, the community is still suffering from the senseless act on their spiritual home. In an effort to help heal the situation, Carolann Fernandes, a volunteer for a Healing Day of Prayer says, “A community prayer service will be held at City Hall aimed at uniting Hamilton Hindus with Hamiltonians of every faith in a desire for healing and harmony.” This prayer service launches a three-month Discover India program started by two dozen Indian community groups that will include lectures, workshops, and exhibits about India. Mahendra Deonarain, religious secretary to the Hamilton Hindu Samaj community adds, “Construction of the new Hindu Samaj Temple has been delayed in part by a last-minute decision to expand floor space by 2,000 square feet. Hamiltonians contributed some $240,000 to the temple reconstruction, while insurance and assistance from the federal government brought the total rebuilding budget to $800,000.”