The Anti-Defamation League expressed “deep concern” Tuesday over a sermon by a Houston imam that included references to killing Jews, but in a statement, the imam expressed remorse for the language he used. He said in no way does he support violence.
Local Muslim religious leaders also called the sermon problematic, saying that the imam’s message does not represent the views or sentiments of the Houston Muslim community.
In a statement Tuesday evening, the imam said: “I believe that hatred can only thrive in climates of fear, anger and ignorance. Because of this, I welcome the opportunity to meet with Jewish leaders and other community leaders in the near future.”
Dayan Gross, ADL Southwest Regional Director, said the sermon reflects hatred and has no place in any mosque or house of worship.
“We know that the ideas espoused by Imam Al-Rousan do not reflect those of the vast majority of Muslims in our area, many of whom are our partners in promoting interfaith relations and who have told us they are appalled by this rhetoric,” he said in a statement. “We appeal to all Houstonians to not generalize or attack the Muslim community as a whole for the words of one individual.”