Open letter to facebook Owner

1. TOTHE
PERSECUTION RELIEF
MARK ZUCKERBERG
CEO OF FACEBOOK.INC
“I think there’s a comfort in knowing and having confidence that there are things
bigger than you... it’s why I have so much faith in democracy overall, it’s why I
care so much about giving people a voice”
Very few have the privilege, convenience and power to give the masses a voice, like you do. Facebook has
triumphed not only over Print Media but all social networks including the likes of Instagram, Messenger,
WhatsApp etc.
Back in 2004, you probably never imagined where you are today. I believe the crea�on of Facebook was
envisioned with all good inten�ons to ‘Join’ and ‘Connect’ the world, breaking all human barriers and
promo�ng unity.
However, with the passing of �me came the distor�on of vision as well. Facebook is now in a posi�on to be a
catalyst in the systema�c dismantling of humanity. It has become a handy and effec�ve tool for the enemies
of peace.
India, which is supposed to be the world’s largest democracy and a secular state, is presently reeling under
the cruel curse of religious intolerance. Religious minori�es are facing intensifying persecu�on owing to the
propaga�on of religious na�onalism.
At present, no other social network can be compared with Facebook, in terms of influence and vastness. Such
caliber must be used to build and encourage, not break and discourage. Highligh�ng issues faced by religious
minori�es is one of the most beneficial ways to express solidarity with them.
Persecu�on Relief is one such organiza�on that provides comprehensive support to persecuted Chris�ans in
India. Between January 2016 to August 2020, we have served and recorded over 2100 cases of hate crimes
against Chris�ans in INDIA. With over 50,000 Churches and numerous Chris�an en��es partnering with us
from across the world, we are the largest advocacy to the 2.3 % of Chris�ans living in India.
From observing latest trends, we conclude that most efforts of bridging the gulf between religious
communi�es in India are gradually proving to be fu�le. What is even more alarming is the dangerous
influence Facebook is having on the 1.3 billion strong na�on.
Facebook has played a key role in endorsing communal harmony in other na�ons. However, in India, your
organiza�on seems to be doing just the opposite. This observa�on is rather disturbing and raises many
ques�ons.
Dear Mark,
-Mark Zuckerberg

2. My personal experience with Facebook has been
bi�er-sweet too. Since our first post on Facebook,
our page has reached more than 3 million people,
without any form of propaganda. To tell you the
truth, Facebook has been very instrumental in
helping us sensi�ze the world about Chris�an
persecu�on in India.
Unfortunately, I have been witnessing several
challenges with Facebook lately. My page was
blocked for months, despite many grievances being
made to your support team. I also have a difficult
�me uploading posts if the content is related to
minori�es, Chris�anity, persecu�on etc. On many
occasions I have also been blocked.
The content that we post is, in fact tailored to
bridge the gap across the growing gulf. Our
organiza�on specifically believes in SERVING
PERSECUTED � LOVING PERSECUTORS. We do not
make hate speeches or propagate violence. Instead
we promote forgiveness towards those who hate us
on account of our Chris�an faith.
Many specula�ons came to light recently
concerning Facebook India’s interference in India’s
electoral democracy and the pro-BJP bias of its
India policy chief, Ankhi Das. In communica�ons to
Facebook staffers, she said punishing viola�ons by
poli�cians from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
party could ‘hurt the company’s business interests
in the country’.
How do you react when such inconsiderate acts
concerning your social network, see the light of
day? Would you s�ll retain people that pose a
threat to a na�on’s secular and democra�c fabric?
Or would you prefer being known as an en�ty that
unifies a diverse na�on.
My sincere hope is that Facebook is not bending
their own rules to appease Mr. Modi’s party and its
33 million strong market in India. If that be true,
then I would like to quote you here- “I think there’s
a comfort in knowing and having confidence that
there are things bigger than you.”
If you keep muffling the voices of the persecuted
minori�es in India, then Facebook will not have a
long way to go. Owing to your Jewish upbringing,
you can be certain that there is a God who is much
bigger than you. He is the defender of the
defenseless and is famous for raising up great kings
and bringing them down as well.
Dear Mark, have you progressively deviated from
your vision? As a social media giant, you have
designated teams to care for your business in every
country. Over �me, many elements could have
contributed towards the devia�on of your vision. I
understand that it is easier said than done.
Ul�mately, you are the boss and Facebook is your
baby! Would you just sit and watch someone
destroy your family and lead your children astray?
Definitely not! Who would understand this be�er
than a family-oriented person like you? Providing
comprehensive care to your family is of prime
importance.
The future of India looks grim and Facebook is
being widely used to inject hatred and spread
communal violence within the country. I am sure
you are aware of this and also disappointed by it
too. In spite of the many appeals being made, you
have not made any comments concerning this grave
issue.
I urge you to take a stand and pledge to support the
minori�es and their wellbeing. It is high �me. I
would like to quote you again, “it’s why I have so
much faith in democracy overall, it’s why I care so
much about giving people a voice” Yes, you can be
their voice!
I highly recommend that you appoint capable and
unbiased representa�ves from amongst the
religious minori�es to assist the team at Facebook
India and to encourage transparency in decisions
concerning the same. A panel consis�ng of people
from religious minori�es must be instated to make
policies and counter such ma�ers that threaten
communal harmony.
I would also appreciate if you could take some �me
out of your busy schedule to discuss with me how
Facebook could be a catalyst in promo�ng religious
tolerance in India. I would be more than willing to
fly out and meet you.The truth must not be hidden,
the truth must not be suppressed- this is my
humble appeal to you.
May you and your family be a blessing to the
na�ons.
SHIBU THOMAS
Founder- Persecu�on Relief
www.persecu�onrelief.org
founder@persecu�onrelief.org
+91-9826025767