A California Imam has apologized for calling for the destruction of Jews, during a speech that generated widespread condemnation after being picked up by the Middle East Media Research Institute.
Delivering a Friday sermon at the Islamic Center of Davis near Sacramento just over a week ago, Egyptian-born American Imam Ammar Shahin called for God to “liberate the Al-Aqsa Mosque from the filth of the Jews” and “destroy those who closed the Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
“Oh Allah, count them all and annihilate them down to the very last one. Do not spare any of them,” the Egyptian born cleric said. Speaking in both English and Arabic, he cited an Islamic tradition that at the end of days stones and trees would speak, telling Muslims "there is a Jew behind me – come and kill him!”
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Shahin apologized, stating that his sermon had been "hurtful to Jews” and “unacceptable.”
“I am deeply sorry for the pain I have caused. The last thing that I would do is intentionally hurt anyone, Muslim, Jewish or otherwise. It is not in my heart.”
Seth Brysk, Director of ADL’s San Francisco Office, responded in a statement welcoming the apology and "clear recognition that hateful words have consequences."
"This is an important first step, but it is only the beginning of a journey that he needs to make in restoring confidence in his religious leadership and his understanding of the roots of anti-Semitism. We hope that the imam will continue to learn from others about why his words were so dangerous. We further hope that he will be able to use his leadership role to speak out against anti-Semitism and work with others in the community to build bridges of mutual understanding and respect.”
