Send Page to a Friend JCRC Condemns 'Despotic' Taliban Rule, Calls On International Community To Protect The Rights Of Minorities (Boston, May 23, 2001)- The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston is horrified by the decision of Afghanistan's Taliban leadership to force members of the Hindu minority to wear identity labels on their clothing. This edict is reminiscent of the yellow star of David that Jews were required to wear in Nazi Germany. In a statement today, JCRC President Geoffrey H. Lewis called upon the international community to condemn these acts and to work together to put an end to discrimination against minorities: "Haven't we been here before? This edict affects religious minorities everywhere, and must be stopped. We are ever mindful that the Nazi's requirement to wear the star was a prelude to the killing of 6 million Jews." The Taliban's edict also discriminates against Hindu women, forcing them to wear a veil. "The situation for women in Afghanistan is appalling" stated Executive Director Nancy K. Kaufman "Women are not allowed to work, have been stripped of their professions and live in fear of their lives." All of this takes place in the wake of the recent destruction by the Taliban of historic Buddhist statues. JCRC welcomes the news that United States is committed to bringing the Taliban and other Afghan factions into compliance with international human rights norms.