Violent people just use ideology to legitimize their right to be violent, t build organizations to gain power and money. They atract other violent people who just are very frustrated and, as we all, need a reason to live. They find it in the idea of destroying the manece, destroying the enemy, re-uniting with the group because of a "noble cause".
Joel, you won't be able to put sense into their minds, specially when there's a huge cultural gap. What you can do is support the islamic people who are apposing the Yihad. Talk with them, tell them that you think they are brave and intelligent, for the non violent people on when violence arises in a society are the first to be silenced and attacked.
Try to put some sense into the heads of those who carry prejudices against islamic people in your context. That's what you can do.
