Anti-Semitism is at core of Islamic extremism, says ADL

The Anti-Defamation League’s Abraham H. Foxman issues a statement on the ideology behind the terrorism in France:

“The attacks on Charlie Hebdo and on a kosher store are linked by the perpetrators’ ideology, not just their acquaintance. Islamic extremism is a common enemy of Jews and democratic states. That message needs to be heard and internalized by governments and mainstream society.

“Anti-Semitism is at the core of Islamic extremist ideology, interwoven with its hatred of basic democratic freedoms, and continues to motivate adherents around the world. The packaging of anti-Semitic narratives has radicalized followers and influenced numerous international and domestic extremists with tragic results.”

Foxman adds: “The tragic loss of so many innocent lives in the past three days in Paris must lead to a more effective and comprehensive strategy by all democratic leaders to counter Islamic extremism. This strategy must ensure that heinous acts of terrorism will not succeed in curtailing the exercise of such basic democratic freedoms to proudly and openly practice one’s religion or express one’s opinions.”