Hindus have urged the majority Roman Catholic Church and other religions in Austria to wholeheartedly help the asylum seekers, some of whom are currently reportedly camping in Vienna. Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that religion specifically told us to help the helpless. Love and compassion for the helpless was the hallmark of religious ethics, Zed added. Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, quoted “Leviticus 19:33-34": “When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you. You shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God." Zed noted that Jesus Christ clearly told the world to help the helpless, defenseless and downtrodden and love them and he showed the way also. Zed urged the Austrian government to engage the asylum seekers in talks; simplify and humanize the asylum process and make it more transparent; and improve the living conditions of refugees, who include women and children also. Zed applauded the Vienna community for delivering food and presents to asylum seekers. “When we act in a loving way, actually it is God who is loving others through us,” Zed added. BN
