'Hypocrite' Simmons hits back at Jewish critics
Music mogul Russell Simmons has hit back at Jewish leaders who branded him a "hypocrite" last month, because he believes the only way to fight racism is to communicate, according to AP.
The Def Jam founder came under attack from America's Anti-Defamation League (ADL) after he leant his support to a speech by the Nation of Islam's Louis Farrakhan in Detroit, Michigan in February.
But despite the criticism, Simmons - who regularly campaigns for the fight against anti-Semitism - remains adamant that he is 
just trying to ease relations between all races and religions, reports the New York Daily News.
He says, "I'm just trying to get an open dialogue between all these people. The ADL has put up a long fight, and that fight has been so hurtful to both blacks and Jews. When you have that kind of fight between a leading Jewish organization like the ADL and Minister Farrakhan, what it does is separate whole communities.
"But it's not about blacks and Jews or about Muslims and Jews, it's about all ethnicities and the simple common notes that they can play. I just try to bring people together. I think that's my job."
The Nation of Islam has been criticized by some anti-racism groups for encouraging segregation between black people and other races.
- Katy Perry and Markus Molinari: Kitson couple
- Amy Winehouse plans Jewish wedding
- Russell Simmons says 3 epithets should be banned
- 'Hypocrite' Simmons hits back at Jewish critics
- Viewers complain over Brits jokes of Russell Brand
- Russell Brand to host Brit Awards 2007
- Kiss rocker Gene Simmons promotes scents
- Britney Spears takes home the big prize for pussy!
- Christina Aguilera reveals about naked plans
- Images: Topless Britney Spears
- Britney Spears brings new nude fashion
- Beyonce and Shakira want duet
- Gwen Stefani releases The Great Escape
- Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton bust up again
- Christina Aguilera amazed by her bust Christina Aguilera amazed by her bust
- Brit's second with the same name initials as first
- Helena Paparizou: MY NUMBER ONE Lyrics