(JTA) — Spanish prosecutors are investigating the actions of an imam from a town near Madrid who called for the destruction of Jews.
Salahuddin al Mussaoui of Azuqueca de Henares made the statement in a video that appeared Aug. 25 on the YouTube channel of the Islamic Cultural Center of Azuqueca de Henares, but authorities only now have launched a probe, according to a report Sunday by the Europe Press news agency.
In the 30-minute video, which is titled ”Gaza triumphs depite Jewish world dominance,” Mussaoui is seen telling his congregation during a sermon, “Oh, Allah, most merciful, throw stones at them. Stone them. Leave none of them alive.” He also said, “Allah, destroy the Jewish occupiers.”
Mussaoui is suspected of inciting hatred and provoking violence, Europe Press reported.
The Islamic Cultural Center of Azuqueca de Henares apologized for the sermon in a statement released on Oct. 19, saying the center “calls for respect and coexistence between religious communities.”
The statement said the video “was recorded during the brutal attacks of the Zionist state of Israel against the Gaza Strip, attacks which provoked anger and indignation by all peoples of the world. The Muslim community of Azuqueca de Henares in this context ‘made statements which are absolutely inappropriate’ for the coexistence in our city. We apologize to individuals or groups offended by the sermon,” read the text.
It did not say who was quoted in defining Mussaoui’s words as inappropriate.
Israel launched Operation Protective Edge against Hamas in Gaza this summer to quell rocket fire from the coastal strip.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
