Dutch mosque suspends imam after Jerusalem visit, meeting with Israeli president

Thursday 10 July 2025 - 09:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Dutch mosque suspends imam after Jerusalem visit, meeting with Israeli president

The Bilal Mosque in Alkmaar, the Netherlands, has suspended Imam Youssef Msibih following his controversial meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem. The Moroccan-Dutch cleric joined a delegation of European Muslim leaders at the event organized by the European Leadership Network, an NGO fostering relations between Europe and Israel.

Controversy and mosque’s response

The imam’s visit to Jerusalem on July 7 sparked backlash among pro-Palestinian groups, prompting calls for clarification from the mosque. In a public statement, the mosque distanced itself from the cleric, stressing, “there is no place for the imam within the mosque.”

The statement further clarified that the mosque’s board bears no responsibility for the imam’s actions or statements outside of its premises. It emphasized that the suspension severs all formal and substantive ties between the mosque and the imam, who acted in a personal capacity.

Commitment to peace and legal warnings

The mosque reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace and urged individuals not to pressure or interfere with its board, volunteers, or members. It warned against spreading rumors or false information, citing potential serious consequences. The mosque also reserved the right to pursue legal action in cases of defamation, slander, or incitement that threaten its community’s safety, dignity, or peace.