A new book maintains that the history of Islam displays anti-Semitism and violence against Jews and Christians since the Muslim prophet Mohammed began the religion 1,200 years ago. Author Andrew G. Bostrom, who also is Associate Professor of Medicine at Brown University in Rhode Island, wrote that Muslim governments traditionally have humiliated non-Muslims.

His book "The Legacy of Islamic Anti-Semitism: from Sacred Texts to Solemn History" notes that as far back as 1,000 years ago, Muslim governments forced Jews and Christians to wear distinctive clothing and show deference to Muslims. They also required payment of the jizya head tax, which is re-emerging in Iraq and other countries through ransom and extortion money demanded by Muslim gangs.

Bostrom maintains that the Koran is anti-Semitic in its roots, with claims that a Jewish conspiracy led to the poisoning death of Mohammed. The re-establishment of the State of Israel was "an unbearable affront to the Islamic order" and triggered calls for the mass destruction of Jews, he wrote.

The re-establishment of the State of Israel was 'an unbearable affront to the Islamic order.'

Contradicting modern ideas that Muslim hatred of Jews is a new phenomenon, he referred to Muslim texts from hundreds of years ago, one of which states, "Whenever a Jew is killed, it is for the benefit of Islam." 

He noted that Jews are likened to apes and swine and that the Koran curses David and Jesus. Muslim literature predicts that the religion will vanquish Christianity at the time of the Messiah and that Jews will go to hell.

 Bostrom also says the idea of Muslims becoming martyrs in their war against Jews is not new and that the prophet Mohammed praised suicide, which is not prohibited by the Muslim religion.

He asserted that the growing Muslim population in Europe is part of a grand design for Islamic supremacy. "They still believe Spain is theirs," he said.

Mansur Escudero, a Muslim leader in Spain, is trying to allow Muslim prayer in the Catholic church that once was a mosque, and Muslims are trying to "re-conquer" Andalucía, southern Spain. Bostrom said that one author quoted Abu Iyaad, an aide of Yasser Arafat, as saying, "We cannot allow historical Palestine to become another Andalucía."