JAINA Statement on Boston Explosion

A Call to Help after the Boston Marathon Explosions

Boston, MA, April 16, 2013 – The Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) joins Americans of all backgrounds in expressing our profound condolences and sympathies to the people of Boston and participants in the Boston Marathon after the horrific bombings that killed and injured so many people on Monday.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who came from 97 countries to participate in the Marathon. Such senseless violence must be condemned as a crime against humanity. As Jains, we believe that if anyone kills one person, it is as if he or she kills all of humanity. In the same way, if anyone saves one life, it is as if he or she saves all of humanity.

Ways to Help

In honor of the victims of this tragedy, and to save additional lives, we encourage everyone to donate blood and provide other support to local human service organizations. For more information on giving blood, please visit the American Red Cross site: http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood.

We also urge anyone with information about the explosions to please come forward and call the Boston Police at 800-494-TIPS (8477). If anyone needs help finding family members or victims, please call the Mayor of Boston’s 24-Hour Constituent Service at 617-635-4500.

We furthermore urge the law enforcement to take all measures to find and prosecute those responsible for these heinous crimes, swiftly and to the fullest measure.

We pray for peace and must work together to bring about an end to violence, terrorism, and conflict.

What Parents Can Do

JAINA also encourages parents to review the "Boston Marathon Explosions: Be in Control of What Your Child Will Hear and See” by Dr. Richard Rende: http://www.parents.com/blogs/red-hot-parenting/2013/04/15/health/boston-marathon-explosions-be-in-control-of-what-your-child-will-hear-and-see/?socsrc=pmmtw.

We pray and wish happiness to all. May all living beings be happy everywhere.

Om Shanti! Om Shanti! Om Shanti!

Dr. Sushil Jain

JAINA President

Press Contact

Sushil Jain

240 277 3039