Mason claimed Islam teaches "hate, terrorism and murder"

CAIRO, July 27 (IslamOnline.net) – A Washington-based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group called on the largest radio network in the United States to apologize for remarks against the Islamic faith by a pro-Israel, right-wing talk show host who called Islam a "murderous organization" on air.

The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), sent a letter to Westood One, protesting "Islamophobic smears" by comedian Jackie Mason, who recently called "the whole Muslim religion" a "murderous organization" that teaches "hate, terrorism and murder."

In its letter, CAIR stated that; "It is this type of hate-filled propaganda that was used by the Nazis as justification for their persecution of the Jewish community in
Germany ," according to a press release, a copy of which was sent to IOL by CAIR on Monday, July 26.

Mason, well known for his right-wing and pro-Israel political commentaries, made the remarks as guest host on a recent broadcast of the Jim Bohannon Show, syndicated nationally by Westwood One.

During the broadcast, New York lawyer Raoul Felder, who is a frequent co-author of Mason's commentaries, attacked the character of Islam's Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

"This (Islam) is a religion of hate, this is a religion of murder," he claimed.

Mason responded by amplifying Felder's bigotry.

"This is amazing information that almost nobody is aware of...everyone thinks that it's a legitimate religion that preaches love and brotherhood. The truth of the matter is (that terrorists) are reflecting the religion, and following the religion they are following the orders of the religion directly from the Qur'an.

"...In plain English, the whole Muslim religion is preaching and teaching hate, terrorism and murder, and nobody knows it, and its about time they found out about it," he alleged.

Mason went on: "The Qur'an...is 50 versions of hate, venom, hostility, and murder...dedicated to terrorism...I don't know how we can call it a religion in the traditional sense. It should be called a murderous organization that's out to kill people."

Chance To Refute

In its letter to Westwood One, CAIR also demanded an opportunity to refute Mason's Islamophobic smears.

It also urged the US Muslim community to immediately contact Westwood One to demand that they 1) issue a formal and public apology to the American Muslim community and 2) invite a Muslim guest on the Jim Bohannon Show to refute Mason's defamatory remarks and to provide accurate information about Islam.

CAIR also filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

As hate crimes against community members continue unabated, US Muslim leaders and organizations have launched a campaign to dispel misconceptions among Americans that actions of extremists represent Muslim beliefs.

Earlier this year, CAIR announced a campaign designed to counter anti-Islamic hate on talk radio.

The campaign, called "Hate Hurts America," is based on the premise that the increasing attacks on Islam by talk show hosts harm the United States by creating a downward spiral of interfaith mistrust and hostility, said the press release.

"As part of that campaign, Muslims were given step-by-step instructions on how to monitor local and syndicated radio programs, report anti-Muslim hate, file FCC complaints, and contact advertisers to register their concerns."

Hate crimes against US Muslim community members are reportedly on the rise, prompting community leaders and organizations to launch a campaign to dispel misconceptions among Americans that actions of extremists represent Muslim beliefs.