July 24, 2024 — Berlin, Germany
Today, German Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser issued a ban on the activities of the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH) for its illicit activities on behalf of Hezbollah and the Iranian regime. American Jewish Committee (AJC), which for years has raised concern over the misuse of this religious center for malign purposes by the Iranian regime, praised the decision as good for all Germans, including the Jewish and Muslim communities.
"We welcome the measures taken by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Homeland to stop Iranian intelligence networks, including the decision to ban the activities of the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH),” said AJC Berlin Director Dr. Remko Leemhuis. “For three decades, the IZH has been the most important European outpost of the antisemitic Iranian regime– its director is appointed by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khameini, and it has been a key meeting point for the banned terrorist organization Hezbollah. As a result, the IZH has posed a significant threat not only to Jews, but political opponents of the regime, and other minorities targeted by the mullahs' totalitarian religious ideology. For all these reasons, today is a good day for the safety of the Jewish community in Germany and for all. It sends a clear message to the regime in Tehran that the days of operating largely undisturbed in Germany are over.”
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Minister Nancy Faeser for implementing the ban. We hope the German government will take further action against other Iranian entities, including adding the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to the EU's terror list,” added Leemhuis.
"When the Iranian regime mobilizes a house of worship as an intelligence outpost it threatens not only national security but social cohesion," said AJC CEO Ted Deutch. “Religious sites must not be used for hostile political purposes. This ban is a significant step in the right direction, and must be part of a wider, clear, and coherent message to Iran that Europe and the U.S. will stand firm in its fight to protect its citizens, allies, and the values it stands for.”
AJC is committed to fostering a secure, peaceful, and flourishing future for the Middle East as well as protecting democratic values – this must include neutralizing the destabilizing impacts of the Iranian regime. To that end, AJC continues to urge the EU to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization and to reinstate United Nations ‘snapback’ sanctions for Iran’s nuclear program. AJC calls on all nations to demonstrate clear and strong support for the people of Iran who continue to defy the regime with utmost bravery. Additionally, AJC remains steadfast in its efforts to bolster international support for Israel as it defends itself from Iranian proxies – including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. With headquarters in New York, 25 regional offices across the United States, 15 overseas posts, as well as partnerships with 38 Jewish community organizations worldwide, AJC’s mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. For more, please visit www.ajc.org.
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