A courageous group of Muslims in the Galilee is standing up against extremism and violence.

Calling themselves The Prophetic Tradition Helpers Association (PTHA), the goals of the 10-member group founded this month include providing a platform for moderation and nonviolence, and educating Muslims about how extremists are misinterpreting Orthodox Islam.

“We have watched the situation deteriorate at the hands of extremists,” says Khalid Abu Ras of Ilut, near Nazareth, an Arabic schoolteacher and founding member. “We are unhappy that they talk in the name of Islam and we think their stands are wrong. They are hurting Islam and our people.”

A tiny drop of hope in a raging sea of obsession.