BERLIN (AP) — Thousands of Muslims in Germany have taken part in a “Day of Peace” to protest against the Islamic State extremist group.

The event was organized by mainstream Muslim organizations to emphasize that the vast majority of believers reject the group’s ideology and its brutal actions in Syria and Iraq.

The head of Germany’s Central Council of Muslims, Aiman Mazyek, said the protest Friday was also directed against racism and intolerance in general, citing recent attacks on mosques and synagogues in Europe.

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