The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) Statement Following Attack Against Ashish Prashar

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA- November 13, 2023)– Following the attack against Ashish Prashar, TAAF Chief Executive Officer Norman Chen issued the following statement in response:

“Last week, Ashish Prashar and his 18-month-old son were accosted at Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn, NY.  The perpetrator hurled insults at Prashar, who is of Punjabi descent and was wearing a traditional Arab scarf known as a keffiyeh, calling him a “terrorist.” She then threw her phone and hot coffee at the pair. We are grateful to the bystander who intervened to cut off this attack, which is currently being investigated by the NYPD as a hate crime.

This is another example of the type of incident that communities continue to experience against the backdrop of rising Islamophobic, anti-Arab, anti-Muslim and antisemitic sentiment. TAAF stands strongly against all forms of hate and hate-fueled violence and we urge the community to stay alert and intervene safely. TAAF partners with local organizations such as Right to Be and Nonviolent Peaceforce that provide bystander training so that the community is equipped with the skills needed to safely deescalate the situation. In addition, we encourage survivors to report incidents to TAAF’s community partners who can be found at taaf.org”

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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.