A sermon, prepared and distributed in Malaysia by the Federal Territory Islamic Affairs Department has caused outrage amongst Jewish and Christian groups.

The US based Simon Wiesenthal Center, a leading international Jewish human rights organisation, declared a travel advisory on Malaysia.

The speech delivered on 30 March at lunchtime in mosques across the capital city declared, Muslims must understand Jews are the main enemy to Muslims as proven by their egotistical behaviour and murders performed by them.

The sermon makes a mockery of Malaysia’s constitution which promises that religions other than Islam ‘may be practiced in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation, according to a statement issued by the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

“It puts to the lie the repeated calls in international bodies by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib, for religions to forsake intimidation and violence. It threatens the few Jews in Malaysia and millions beyond its borders,” commented Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

The address also called on community leaders to increase the awareness and understanding of the importance of Jerusalem, referring to it by its Arabic name, al-Quds. “The honour of al-Quds and the al-Aksa mosque must be defended by all Muslims, as it is holy land that must be blessed”.

Spending Pesach in China can be a difficult experience especially for visitors but Chabad is making it a little easier and more welcoming.

Chabad has added the city of Chengdu on the map to compliment its other existing Chabad centres in Yiwu, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. These locations are additional to the more established communities in Shanghai and Beijing that have excellent infrastructures for Jewish life.

The Chabad Chengdu Centre was opened a few months ago and is run by Rabbi Dovi Heni. The Chengdu seder itself was held at the Traffic Hotel in downtown Chengdu to accommodate the bigger turnout.