The Islamic Center of Riverside July 31, 2017 Statement ofthe Islamic Center af Riverside Concerning the July 21, 2017, Sermon Offered by Imam Mahmoud Harmoush The Islamic Ceater of Riverside (ICR) takes seriously recent anicles concerning a sermon, delivered on July 21, 2017, with alleged remarks said to be directed to members ofthe Jewish faith. As part of our commitment to upholding the tenets of Islam, which preaches coexistence with people of all faith traditions the ICR initiated an internal inquiry, including a careful review of the remarks. That these remarks were, 3 a mater of policy, already public is the first indication that our Center is committed to transparency. Indeed, we welcome the opportunity reflect on critiques ofthe sermons delivered at our facility and are grateful forthe opportunity to share those reflections publicly. The approximately 32 minute sermon delivered by Imam Harmoush highlighted historical and contemporary instances of Muslims’ commitment to peaceful coexistence with members of other faiths through affirmative acts of love and compassion. Toward the latter part of the sermon, Imam Harmoush focused on recent, roundly condemned Isracli setions which curtailed freedom of worship in Jeeusalem, including a the Al Agsa Mosque Compound, a site revered by more than 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide, While the situation at the Mosque has since changed, shen the sermion was oflered the Mosque was closed to prayers forthe frst ime in decades, It vas Imam Harmoush’s intent to shed light on the situation Imam Harmoush was eareful to focus his remarks on the actions ofthe Israeli government in and around Jecusalem, In fets, those parts of the sermon which have been cited as objectionable were routinely mistranstated and/or taken out of context. Nonetheless, Imam Harmoush unequivocally stated in the sermon that Islam does not call for aggression against any peaceful people [Imam Harmoush has a strong record as a community leader, He recently completed his second term as co: ‘Chairman ofthe Interfaith Council of Temecula and Murrieta Valley and has demonstrated a commitment 0 interfaith dialogue and respect for pcople of all faiths over a fifteen-year tenure serving alongside interfuith leaders. Given the above as well as Imam Harmoush’s longstanding commitment co interfaith work, inching with local Jewish communities, the ICR believes that the Imam’s remarks were neither anti-Semitic nor discriminatory. Dut rather intended to address the unfortunate closure of the Mosque in Jerusalem to Muslim worshippers (see, for ‘example, this statement from the grassroots advocacy organization Jewish Voice for Peace). At the same time, given the tendeney toward inflammatory chetorie around this issue, Imam Harmoush would like to clarify that his ‘comments were not directed towards members of the Jewish community. Further, the Imam deeply regrets that portions of the sermon caused unintended distress 1o our respected Jewish neighbors and friends, Imam Harmoush along with members of the ICR gathered today with the leadership of Temple Beth El, Riverside's largest synagogue, to discuss the sermon and clarity issues of concern, Together, the groups agreed to participate ina forum with members of the interfaith community and local stakeholders. They look forward to ‘continuing and strengthening their over fifteen-year relationship of mutual respect and cooperation. ICR is committed to continuing its interfaith efforts with the all eommunities of faith aeross Southern California and beyond, As part of those effor's, we look forward to continue a dialogue that is centered on the ‘common principles of mutual respect, unity, and justice