Imam Calls for 'Jihad' Against Israel During Speech From...

An imam is calling on Muslims to “wage jihad for the sake of Allah” in Palestine, videos of his sermons reveal. But the call didn't come during a speech in the Middle East. Instead, the man delivered the call from a mosque in Chicago.

The Middle East Media Research Institute posted excerpts from the fiery sermons of Sheik Mohamed Elimam of the Chicago Islamic Center between July 18 and 25, in which the Muslim preacher discussed the events in Israel and Gaza.

“Oh, those of you who want to wage Jihad for the sake of Allah, Palestine is calling you and Gaza is crying out for your help,” he said. “If you are true believers, real mujahideen, hasten to Palestine. However, if you are collaborators with those who give you weapons and money, then keep indulging yourselves with this money of yours.”

Elimam likened all Israelis to a “thorn in the side” that needs to be extracted.

“This enemy was planted in the midst of the Arab nation – and they chose Jerusalem, Palestine, the most important area – in order to be a thorn in the side of the Arab and Islamic nations. May Allah pull this thorn out, and stick it down their [Western] throats. May they be sent back to their countries in shame and disgrace, Allah willing,” he said according to MEMRI.

“Know that ‘Paradise lies beneath the shade of the swords.’ Paradise belongs to you, oh martyrs, oh fighters, oh mujahideen, in our beloved Gaza and wounded Palestine. Stand fast in the face of this enemy,” he added.

The religious leader also lambasted Muslim political leaders, apparently for their lack of vocal support for the actions of Hamas and other terrorist groups which have launched some 3,000 rockets on Israel in the past three weeks.

“Where are the Muslim rulers? Where are all those deadbeat regimes? Where are all those stray [jihadi] groups? Return to the battle of jihad in Palestine. Jerusalem is calling you. The children of Gaza are crying for your help,” he said.