JTA – A number of Jewish groups have expressed concern at congressional hearings on terrorism that focus on Islam.

“Homegrown Muslim extremists pose a real threat to the United States, but the issue is one that may be difficult to explore seriously in a hearing that has engendered an unfortunate atmosphere of blame and suspicion of the broader American Muslim community,” the Anti-Defamation League said in its statement on the hearings opening Thursday under the auspices of the U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee, which is chaired by Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.). “We need to be careful not to single out an entire community for special scrutiny or suspicion.”