A guest imam made anti-Jewish remarks which the leadership failed to recognize and condemn

Philadelphia, March 9, 2019: Al Aqsa Islamic Society has been recently criticized for sermons by a guest imam that contained anti-Jewish speech. We categorically denounce speech of this kind and apologize for not taking immediate corrective action. Al Aqsa rejects anti-Semitism in any form. It in no way represents our beliefs and policies, and is inconsistent with the interfaith work we have been doing for many years. As leaders of Al Aqsa Islamic Center, we pledge to be vigilant in ensuring that hate speech is neither heard nor tolerated in our mosque or community.

Chukri Khorchid, Secretary, Board of Trustees, Al Aqsa Islamic Society
Imam Mohamad Shehata, Al Aqsa Islamic Society

March 6, 2019

“Our mosque was always conceived as a sacred house of worship, where people of all faiths were welcome. And indeed, Al Aqsa has been at the hub of interfaith activity, in Philadelphia since its inception.”

“In the last few days, however, Al Aqsa’s commitment to an inclusive interfaith vision has been questioned, as it has come to light that a guest Imam gave a few sermons which contained hate-speech against the Jewish people. Extending an invitation to this Imam was clearly a mistake on part of the Al Aqsa leadership, which then failed to recognize and condemn the guest Imam’s actions.”

“As a Muslim, and a Interfaith leader, I am sorry that this type of speech occurred in the mosque I so love, because it is unacceptable, contradicts the most basic foundations of Islam, and contrary to building a community and a nation built on mercy and compassion.”

“As Muslims, we should recall how the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) lived his life with the utmost compassion towards others.”

“In the Quran it also tells us, “To each of you We prescribed a law and a method. Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good.” (5:48)