Because of anti-Semitism

Viennese imam resigns from functions

The Viennese imam, who attracted attention due to several anti-Semitic Facebook postings, is resigning from his functions in the Arab religious community. For example, he will no longer preach in the mosque at Schöpfwerk in Vienna-Meidling.

The Islamic Religious Community (IGGÖ) has now summoned the Viennese imam to the office of President Ümit Vural. "The IGGÖ condemns the postings by Mr. El. S that appeared on Facebook as an unacceptable reaction to the current Middle East conflict. Hate and discrimination in any form contradicts the teachings of Islam and the values that the IGGÖ stands for, as well as its endeavors to promote the values of interfaith respect, tolerance and dialogue," it said in a statement.

Facebook profile can no longer be found
The imam had written on Facebook in January: "Allah, (...) don't let any of them (meaning Jews, note) live." "Oh, Allah, defeat the Jews and support the Mujaheddin who are fighting for Allah in Palestine," another post read. In the meantime, the Facebook profile can no longer be found; individual text passages had previously been removed.

Oh, Allah, defeat the Jews and support the Mujaheddin who are fighting for Allah in Palestine.

Das postete der Imam auf Facebook

Report sent to public prosecutor's office
As the man was abroad last week, the appointment at the IGGÖ presidential office took place this Thursday. Whether the statements constitute incitement to hatred still needs to be investigated. The Vienna public prosecutor's office received a report last week. If suspicions are confirmed, investigations will be initiated, it said.

The mosque at Schöpfwerk in Vienna-Meidling, where he preached, is part of the IGGÖ and is mainly attended by people with Egyptian roots. So far, no problematic content has been found in the sermons given there. However, the imam "bears responsibility for his behavior on social media", it said. The mosque will appoint a new imam at a meeting.