Statement on the Reported Attack Aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073

LA LOTUS Foundation is deeply disturbed by the reported events aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 and stands with every passenger, crew member, and family whose lives were affected by this terrifying incident.

We also recognize Captain Smit Machchhar and others whose bravery and courage under extraordinary circumstances deserve acknowledgment.

We are equally concerned by media descriptions reducing what has been reported as an alleged attack inside the cockpit to a mere “brawl” or “fight between two pilots.” Language matters. A brawl implies two people mutually engaging in a fight. An allegation that one pilot attacked and stabbed another while an aircraft carrying civilians rapidly lost altitude is something fundamentally different. Until the investigation establishes every fact and motive, responsible reporting should neither exaggerate what is known nor minimize the seriousness of what has been alleged.

As a Hindu organization, our response is rooted in a principle fundamental to our tradition: the protection of innocent life is sacred.

Hindu thought does not require us to diminish another faith in order to stand proudly in our own. Nor does respecting religious diversity require silence when hatred, radicalization, or violence threatens human life.

We reject terrorism and religious extremism in every form, regardless of who commits it or in whose name it is claimed.

We also reject collective blame. The actions of an individual should never become justification for hatred or discrimination against an entire religious community. At the same time, societies must remain capable of examining extremist ideologies honestly, openly, and without fear when evidence establishes that they have contributed to violence.

For Hindu Americans, these principles belong together: courage without hatred, vigilance without prejudice, and pluralism without silence.

LA LOTUS Foundation believes that every person, whether Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, or of no faith, should be able to travel, worship, work, and live without fear of violence because of who they are.

We hope for the complete recovery of those injured and for a thorough investigation that establishes exactly what occurred and why.

LA LOTUS Foundation Protecting dignity. Preserving pluralism. Standing against hate.