NEW YORK (VINnews) – America’s fight against Islamist extremism cannot succeed without Muslim leaders willing to challenge hatred within their own communities, Anila Ali, president of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC), said during an interview with Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch on the Viktor Frankl Podcast.

Ali, a Muslim advocate for religious freedom and Muslim-Jewish cooperation, said the surge in antisemitism following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel reflects years of radicalization and the growing influence of extremist ideologies. She said political leaders who fail to confront hatred embolden extremists and leave Jewish communities vulnerable.

Ali recounted immigrating to the United States from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in search of the freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Instead, she said she encountered antisemitic and anti-American rhetoric after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, prompting her to devote her efforts to combating Islamist extremism and promoting interfaith cooperation.

The interview also examined the spread of extremist ideology on college campuses, the need to strengthen moderate Muslim voices and the growing partnership among Muslims, Jews and Christians to combat antisemitism.

Ali highlighted AMMWEC’s National Coalition Against Antisemitism and Hate conference, which she said brought together more than 70 organizations committed to defending religious liberty, democracy and peaceful coexistence.

She concluded by saying most Muslims seek peace and freedom but warned that remaining silent in the face of extremism allows hatred to spread. She urged Americans of all faiths to work together in defense of democracy, religious liberty and shared national values.

The full interview is available on Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch’s Viktor Frankl Podcast on YouTube.