The Middle East Media Research Institite (MEMRI), which specializes in translating media in the Middle East, has uncovered chilling videos in the United States itself. The video clips, posted Thursday to MEMRI’s website, allegedly show Sheik Mohamed Elimam of the Chicago Islamic Center preaching jihad against Israel.
In one excerpt, Elimam says: “Oh, those of you who want to wage Jihad for the sake of Allah, Palestine is calling you and Gaza is crying out for your help. If you are true believers, real mujahideen, hasten to Palestine.”
In another, he suggests that Israeli Jews should be sent “back to their countries”:
This enemy was planted in the midst of the Arab nation – and they chose Jerusalem, Palestine, the most important area – in order to be a thorn in the side of the Arab and Islamic nations. May Allah pull this thorn out, and stick it down their [Western] throats. May they be sent back to their countries in shame and disgrace, Allah willing.
Elimam attempts to distinguish between Jews and Zionism, stating that Zionists “hide behind religion.”
The sermons were delivered July 18-25, according to MEMRI, and then posted on the Internet.
Breitbart News has reached out to Sheik Elimam at the Chicago Islamic Center for comment.
Update:
Hasan Barut of the Chicago Islamic Center responded to Breitbart News and denied that Sheik Elimam had called for jihad.
“He preached about the situation in Gaza, but I don’t remember anything about jihad. Maybe they misunderstood,” Barut said, speaking to Breitbart News from the center on Chicago’s southwest side.
“We asked them to stop the bloodshed and to live in peace together. That’s the main thing.”
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