A self-proclaimed "Muslim Zionist" praised the Bush Administration for the removal of Saddam Hussein and offered support of the Israeli state at the University on Monday.
Sheikh Professor Abdul Hadi Palazzi thanked the Bush Administration for "freeing the world of such barbaric regimes as the Taliban and Iraq."
Palazzi is secretary general of the Italian Muslim Association, a resident professor for Middle East Studies at the University of Rome and also acts as a consultant on the Middle East for Italian State TV.
"He is not the voice of mainstream Islam today, but we look forward to hearing his opinions," said Jason Schwartz, a member of Texans for Israel, as he introduced Palazzi to the audience of more than 50 attendees.
As a Muslim, Palazzi breaks through stereotypes because of his support for Israel and for his positions against extremism and terrorism, said Natalie Lascar, TFI's co-president, which sponsored the event.
According to a TFI press release, Palazzi speaks against Islamic extremism and promotes inter-religious dialogue between Muslims and Jews.
But members of the Palestinian Solidarity Committee worried that Palazzi would distort the image of a moderate Muslim.
"He is being advertised as a moderate Muslim perspective," said Mani Mostofi, PSC's co-chair. "He's not this middle-of- the-road, lets-work-it-out guy. He is an extreme perspective."
During the event, Palazzi addressed issues of Israeli territory and homeland.
He said Israel and Jordan are the two Palestinian states that currently exist in the Middle East, a statement which caused some disruption among members of the audience.
Schwartz said Palazzi was invited because of his vocal fight against Islamic terrorism and his peaceful message.
"I do like the notion that [he presents] Islam, like Judaism, as not a monolithic religion," Mostofi said. "There are a variance of opinions."
Palazzi has been outspoken against Islamic extremist and terrorism.
"He's a peace advocate," Schwartz said. "After 9-11, he organized a rally [of support] outside the U.S. Embassy."
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