In a remarkable interfaith gesture, ElizaBeth W. Beyer, Rabbi in California and Nevada, has urged public apology from Idaho Senator from Cottonwood, Sheryl L. "Sherry" Nuxoll, who reportedly said on March three: "Hindu is a false faith with false gods".

Nuxoll made this statement in a media interview regarding historic first Hindu invocation of Idaho State Senate by distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed on March three, which she and two other state senators reportedly refused to attend.

Rabbi Beyer, in a statement in Nevada, noted: “It is appalling that Sheryl L. "Sherry" Nuxoll, Idaho Senator from Cottonwood, protested a short Hindu prayer in the Senate.  As a State Senator, she is expected to represent all people, not only those of her belief system.”

“Nuxoll should be called upon to offer a public apology and be sanctioned by the Senate for her inappropriate, insensitive and insulting remarks which included her reported statement—‘Hindu is a false faith with false gods’. My respect goes to all people of faith who practice a compassionate lifestyle,” Rabbi Beyer indicated.

“Even though I am not Hindu, I understand it is a major world religion with about a billion adherents and I love my Hindu brothers and sisters.  If Nuxoll had a clue, she would know that Hinduism is the third largest religion of the world and it offers rich philosophical thought.  There are a substantial number of Hindus in Idaho and even a Hindu temple about a mile from the Senate in Boise”, Rabbi Beyer stated.

Rabbi Beyer further said: “Senator Nuxoll—show responsibility, respect and maturity; and understanding of the hurt feelings of Hindu community.  Apologize sooner, rather than later.”

Idaho Senate, upper house in the State Legislature, started its day with ancient Hindu mantras on March third, said to be a first since Idaho acquired statehood in 1890. It contained verses fromRig-Veda; the oldest existing scripture of the mankind still in common use; besides Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita, both ancient Hindu scriptures. Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, delivered this invocation in Sanskrit and English after sprinkling water drops from river Ganga, considered holy by Hindus.