New York, N.Y., June 12, 2003 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today urged the Italian Ministry of Interior to strongly condemn outrageous comments made by the Imam of the Grand Mosque of Rome justifying suicide bombings in Israel, and called for his removal.

On June 6, Imam Abdel-Samie Mahmoud Ibrahim Mousa reportedly said that "from an Islamic viewpoint there is no doubt that the operations of the mujahidin against the Jews in Palestine are legitimate."

In a letter to Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu, Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, said:

We were outraged by the comments made by Imam Mousa, in which he justified suicide bombings in Israel.

The problem of incitement to violence by Imams in the mosques of Europe is a growing threat that must be addressed by European governments. As suicide terrorism continues in the Middle East, it is now more necessary than ever for all leaders and democratic societies to stand up against hatred and brutality.

Mr. Minister, as you said during an interview with La Repubblica on May 24, 'Italian mosques must be entirely freed of preachers of violence.' We respectfully urge you to strongly condemn the statements made by Imam Mousa and call for his removal.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.