EMBED >More News Videos Local Imam's sermon draws criticism from Anti-Defamation League

HOUSTON, Texas -- A sermon by a local Imam, given in the wake of President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, has drawn criticism from the Anti-Defamation League.The mosque is relatively new and has small congregation. But its Imam, who moved here from Florida, is getting a lot of attention.In the sermon, the Imam says, "The Muslims will kill the Jews and the Jews will hide behind the stones and the trees and the stones and trees will say: 'Oh Muslim, oh servant of Allah, there is. Jew hiding behind me, for and kill him."The video posted to YouTube and then translated by a third party website has since been removed from YouTube. But the Anti-Defamation League in Houston worries it is dangerous rhetoric."When you have an Imam preaching this kind of hatred, that this is incitement to violence against the Jewish community," said ADL Regional Director Dayan Gross.The Imam has not responded to our request for an interview, but he did send us a statement, which he has since posted outside his Mosque and reads in part: "Regarding my sermon on Dec. 8th, 2017 it must be understood that I unequivocally affirm and uphold the dignity, sanctity and value of all human life, including - of course - people of the Jewish faith. I must also state in no uncertain terms that I am absolutely and completely opposed to and disgusted by all forms of terrorism, all terrorists, and I oppose anyone who would commit, call for, or threaten violence against civilians."Concerned faith leaders in The Islamic Society of Greater Houston issued a statement against it, as did thirteen prominent Muslim leaders."Fringe statements from any community should never direct the course of the wonderful relationship we enjoy with our neighbors in faith such as Jews, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, or any other faith tradition," said Shariq Abdul Ghani, of the Minaret Foundation.In his statement, the Imam indicated he is interested in meeting in person with the Jewish leaders to find a away forward with better understanding.ABC13's Tom Abrahams spoke with the ADL and will have their reaction on Eyewitness News at 6pm.Share your comments with us