The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) Statement on Huyen Trang Buddhist Meditation Centre

(San Francisco, CA, November 9, 2023)– Following the firebombing of the Huyen Trang Buddhist Meditation Centre in New Caney, TX, TAAF Chief Executive Officer Norman Chen (or The Asian American Foundation) issued the following statement in response:

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“We are disturbed to hear of the attack on Huyen Trang Buddhist Meditation Centre in New Caney, TX. An unknown individual tossed a Molotov cocktail through the window of the Buddhist temple on Sunday, November 5th. 

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We are united with the citizens of New Caney as they heal from this event that, regardless of motive, has increased anxiety throughout the community and shaken their feeling of belonging. Religious institutions serve as vital hubs for their community and have still not recovered from the rise in attacks on their temples, mosques, and churches in the height of the pandemic. We believe that all people have the right to feel secure and safe in their places of worship.

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We stand against all forms of hatred and discrimination and encourage The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and The Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office to work with local AAPI community leaders to restore the sense of safety and security throughout Montgomery County. We also urge Congress and the White House to expand awareness of and access to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Nonprofit Security Grant Program so that AAPI nonprofits and faith institutions have the resources to implement best practice security measures to their facilities to increase overall safety of the community.”

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About TAAF

TAAF serves the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in their pursuit of belonging and prosperity that is free from discrimination, slander, and violence. Founded in 2021 in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate and address the long standing underinvestment in AAPI communities, TAAF invests in best in class organizations working to mobilize against hate and violence, educate communities, and reclaim our narratives through our core pillars of Anti-Hate, Education, Narrative Change, and Resources & Representation. Through our grants, high-impact initiatives and events, we're creating a permanent and irrevocable sense of belonging for millions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. For additional information about TAAF, please visit www.taaf.org.