British imam suspended after recognizing Israel’s Jewish history

The Masjid Khazra mosque in Nottingham, England, has suspended its imam, Umayr Mulla, after he told right-wing British activist Tommy Robinson that he “had no issue with Israel” and acknowledged the Jewish people’s documented ancient history in the region.

“I have no issue with Israel, as long as people are living in peace, I believe both sides should have their own countries,” Mulla told Robinson in Jerusalem.

“The Palestinians should have their own safe space, where they can live freely without oppression or injustice. I think this is the solution for peace in the Middle East," he continued. 

Recognizing Israel’s ancient Jewish history and its right to exist is still considered controversial in much of the Islamic world where Israel is inaccurately described as an “colonialist” entity with no historical attachment to the region. The Masjid Khazra mosque responded by apologizing to its followers for the imam’s “personal views that are deeply offensive and are wholly inconsistent with the values of our institute.”

“Our institute is founded on a commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. We appreciate and respect all parts of the Muslim community and the wider community we serve, and we are dedicated to maintaining a respectful and supportive environment for pupils, staff, and families,” the mosque stated.

While recognizing Israel’s existence, the imam also claimed that all religions lived in peace under Islamic rule despite many incidents of persecution of Jews and Christians. 

“As long as [non-Muslims] paid the Jizya tax, which is like a protection money. It’s no different from the taxes we pay in Britain,” Mulla argued, denying that this Islamic practice constitutes discrimination and oppression against non-Muslim minorities. 

“If you read history, there was no oppression or occupation. They paid taxes like we do. Muslims, however, had to pay Zakat, which is charity,” he continued. 

Mulla backed the British government’s decision last month to unilaterally recognize the “State of Palestine.” However, he condemned terrorism in the name of Islam such as the Palestinian Authority’s pay-for-slay policy or the massacres committed by Hamas and ISIS. 

“I can say freely they are not Muslims at all… Some of their teachings and actions go against Islamic teachings,” the imam argued.

After being suspended, the imam stated, “[I] regret deeply the hurt my remarks have caused to the Kashmiri and Pakistani communities, to Palestinians, to my employers, family, friends, and to anyone beyond who was offended directly and indirectly.”

“My reference to any community was totally unacceptable. I retract it unequivocally and sincerely ask for forgiveness from those I have wronged. I am committed to learning from this,” Mullah wrote. 

Tommy Robinson who has criticized London’s immigration policies is a controversial figure in his home country, Britain. Critics have accused Robinson of being a “far-right racist” and “islamophobe” whereas his supporters argue that he is merely standing up for British values and culture against radical Islam. Robinson has also emerged as a vocal supporter of the Jewish state.

Earlier this month, Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli invited Robinson to Israel to experience firsthand the Jewish state and its diverse society. Robinson has consequently in recent weeks conducted numerous interviews with various personalities in Israel including Christians and Muslims. 

The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) and the Board of Deputies of British Jews condemned the Israeli minister’s decision to invite Robinson despite his support for Israel and the Jewish people, 

“Tommy Robinson is a thug who represents the worst of Britain,” the Council (JLC) argued. “His presence undermines those genuinely working to tackle Islamist extremism and foster community cohesion."

“Minister Chikli has proven himself to be a diaspora minister in name only. In our darkest hour, he has ignored the views of the vast majority of British Jews, who utterly and consistently reject Robinson and everything he stands for,” the JLC added.

However, the Israeli minister defended his decision to invite Robinson to Israel. 

“He is an excellent person, brings people out to protest against radical Islam, defends Israel, and is a prominent voice in Britain. I’m aware of his problematic past, but aligning with conservative forces is important in the fight against radical Islam,” Chikli stated.