His mission: To bring people closer together in order to fight antisemitism and also Islamism, more specifically political Islam.

We sat down with Chalghoumi during his recent visit to Israel.

In 2009, I made the decision to come to Israel, to get to know the Israeli population and the geopolitical situation first-hand.

JNS: Do you believe that additional Arab and Islamic countries will make peace with Israel? 

A: Years ago, nobody believed that Arab countries would do so. And I would like to recognize four people, the first being Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the president of the United Arab Emirates, a courageous man who deserves respect. He helped bring the UAE into the modern world and he made history. Second is the king of Bahrain, I know him very well, I have great relations with him, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Also, the king of Morocco, his majesty Mohammed VI. Finally, Vice President of Sudan Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

They had the courage to forge peace with Israel.

Q: What is your view on radical Islam? 

It’s a poison, it’s the cancer of Islam. It’s a sickness to fight. Some can be healed but others unfortunately we need to fight using the law and also a firm hand. 

My message is clear: There is a need to find all necessary ways to get rid of extreme lectures which have nothing to do with the general teachings of Islam—of tolerance, openness and respect.

Q: What would you say to Muslims who may have preconceived notions about Jews and Israel?

The Koran is the message, it talks about reaching out to others, speaking with tolerance, openness and respect to the family of the peoples of the Book, and especially the children of Isaac, the children of the descendants of Israel, Moshe. I cannot be a real Muslim believer and at the same time an antisemite who hates the Jewish community, it means betraying a great deal of my faith.