Houston mosque leader accused of anti-Semitic sermon, expresses remorse Iman says he hopes to meet with Jewish leaders in the near future

Protesters chant slogans as they hold Palestinian flags during a demonstration in front of the U.S. embassy in Aukar, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. A few hundred demonstrators, including Palestinians, pelted security outside the embassy with stones and burned an effigy of U.S. President Donald Trump in a protest to reject Washington's recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) less Protesters chant slogans as they hold Palestinian flags during a demonstration in front of the U.S. embassy in Aukar, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. A few hundred demonstrators, including ... more Photo: Bilal Hussein, STF Photo: Bilal Hussein, STF Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Houston mosque leader accused of anti-Semitic sermon, expresses remorse 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

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.

The ADL said that in a sermon posted on YouTube, Imam Raed Saleh Al-Rousan of the Tajweed Institute in west Houston stated:"Judgment Day will not come until the Muslims fight the Jews. The Muslims will kill the Jews."

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."

According to the ADL, the speech came two days after President Donald Trump announced his plan to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Israel's capital.

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."

The sermon was posted on YouTube but has since been removed.

In his statement, the Iman said: "Regarding my sermon ... 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.

"This is why as a person of faith and a religious leader, that I am mortified that an impassioned sermon I gave in light of President Trump's Jerusalem declaration is being seen as a call for the very things I despise."

He went on to say he hopes "to establish new and meaningful relationships with my neighbors in the Jewish community."

Local Muslim leaders also issued a joint statement late Tuesday.

In it they said senior Muslim leaders have been in direct contact with Imam Raed to discuss his sermon, "and he has expressed profound regret and willingness to work with Jewish and interfaith leaders to try and correct the situation."

They added that he is aware that his words have caused serious harm.

"There should be no doubt - we stand with the Jewish community to combat anti-Semitism, and we remain confident that the Jewish community stands with us to combat Islamophobia and hate in all forms," they said in the statement. "We are and will continue to be, partners in dialogue and understanding, despite fringe statements from any side."