NYC imam promotes sharia law, slams ‘Zionists’ at college event

Students cheered as Imam Abdullah said he was enraged that organizers had seated him next to a “Zionist.”

By World Israel News Staff

An imam claimed that the implementation of Sharia law would solve all of American society’s ills and urged Muslim students to leave the room due to the presence of a Jewish speaker, while lecturing at an interfaith event hosted by a New York City college.

A recording of the event at Manhattan’s City College of New York (CCNY), a branch of the City University of New York (CUNY), which was shared with The Times of Israel, revealed that the imam promoted a staunchly Islamist perspective during what was meant to be a unifying gathering for students of different faiths.

The imam, who identified himself only by his first name, Abdullah, did not disclose his affiliation with the school or with any mosque. During his remarks, he promoted Islamic law as the ideal system to govern U.S. society.

“Sharia [law]… stands against the oppressor. When Sharia is implemented, pornography — gone. Alcohol industry — gone. Gambling system — gone. Interest is gone, which is what they use to enslave you,” he said.

He also promoted the Sharia law punishment of cutting off “the tips of the hands” of thieves. Imam Abdullah said that punishment could also apply to unscrupulous businesspeople and corporations.

“I’m talking about the elite, the filthy rich, the ones that continue to steal from people as we speak today. Those are the ones that deserve their tips to be cut off,” he said.

The tone of the event shifted sharply when Imam Abdullah realized he was seated alongside Ilya Bratman, a representative of the Hillel Jewish organization, with the cleric swiftly becoming enraged.

“I came here to this event not knowing that I would be sitting next to a Zionist, and this is something I’m not going to accept. My people are being killed right now in Gaza,” he said. Students can be heard applauding and cheering on the recording.

“If you’re a Muslim, out of strength and dignity, I ask you to exit this room immediately,” he screamed. What appeared to be all 100 Muslim students in attendance walked out, leaving mostly Christian and Jewish students behind.

The moderator apologized, saying the event was supposed to “remain respectful,” adding that he was “in shock right now.”

A Jewish student responded, “You’re in shock? We’re not; we’re used to it,” adding, “That’s how interfaith goes at CCNY.”

A spokesperson for City College of New York told The Times of Israel that the school was investigating.

The college “has zero tolerance for acts of hate or bigotry of any kind and will promptly take all necessary and appropriate actions to address any such discrimination and remedy its effects,” the spokesperson said.