Vancouver Muslim lecturer defends himself against accusations of anti-Semitism

A Canadian Muslim leader who for years has been quietly lecturing his followers on jihad, Jews and martyrdom says he is not anti-Semitic. Sheik Younus Kathrada from the Dar Al-Madinah Islamic Society in Vancouver issued a written statement on Monday in which he argues that quotes from his lectures were taken out of context, leading to a misunderstanding of his beliefs. “I am not the demon the media is trying to make me out to be,” Kathrada stated. He had come under attack from Jewish and Muslim communities for some of his remarks and is the focus of a police investigation. He went on saying that his understanding of anti-Semitism was "that it is the condemnation and hatred of a people because of their Semitic race. This is bigotry and racism, and Islam considers it completely unacceptable. Therefore, I as a Muslim, also deem such a matter to be absolutely repulsive and have no tolerance towards it". He added that it was not his belief that Jews are subhuman.