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Shi’ite Cleric Blames Israel for Creation of ISIS at Toronto Al-Quds Day Rally

By Jordan Zaitchik
B’nai Brith Canada

Speaking at the al-Quds Day rally in Toronto, a Muslim cleric claimed that without Zionism, ISIS would not exist.

In the following video recorded at  Queen’s Park in Toronto on July 2, Shi’ite Muslim cleric Moulana Syed Abbas Abedi said, “Zionism is the mother of ISIS” (4:20) and called for it to be renamed the “Israeli State of Iraq and al-Sham” (4:49).

Abedi is the founder and director of Hidayat TV, an Islamic Satellite Television channel based in the United Kingdom and Europe. The channel was established in 2008 and has grown to reach audiences in the UK, Europe, and parts of North Africa. The Shi’I channel discusses social, political, cultural, and religious issues of the Muslim community, provides Islamic education, and provides coverage of Islamic events.

Abedi began his speech saying “Islam is not only the religion of peace, but it is the promoter of the peace in this world” (0:55) and “We are Muslims, peace seekers, peace providers, and peace lovers.” (1:23)