This item is available on the Militant Islam Monitor website, at http://www.militantislammonitor.org/article/id/8154
At BCC Budget Meeting In June Tony Said 'I Won't Work With ICE' - FL AG Warned 'He Can Be Removed From Office'
August 7, 2025
"While the R.D.T.C. represents innovation and progress, our mission remains focused on the safety and protection of the entire Broward County community" Sheriff Gregory Tony July 11, 2024
Band Of Brothers
From left to right:
Corey Shearer aka Kareem Salaam - Florida Emgage/CAIR 'Outreach Coordinator' & Broward County School Board Member
Rasheed Mahamad aka Brother Rasheed -Dawa Director Of The Islamic Center Of South Florida (ICOSF)
Imam -Sheik Ibrahim Dremali - Former Imam Of The Islamic Center Of Boca Raton (ICBR) & Prominent Muslim Brotherhood Operative
"In October 2000 in Miami, Dremali spoke at a pro-Palestinian rally where Hezbollah flags were prominently displayed, and where demonstrators burned Israeli flags while shouting slogans like: "With jihad we'll claim our land, Zionist blood will wet the sand." At this same event, Dremali intoned his support for Islamic terrorists, telling the crowd "not to be sad for the martyrs, or be afraid to die for what they believed in."Children laid down in between the graves without moving while Dremali urged the crowd not to be sad for those who were martyred, and to not be afraid to die for what they believe in. The crowd, in response, joined in a mock funeral procession chanting, "Haya 'ala al-jihad" ("Live for the jihad").
https://www.investigativeproject.org/activities/535/islamic-center-of-boca-raton-icbr
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Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony Gives Tour to Radical Muslims
One Tour Goer (Ibrahim Dremali) Called On Arab Leaders To Throw The Jews Into The Sea
August 7, 2025 by Joe Kaufman 9 Comments
This past May, Broward County, Florida Sheriff Gregory Tony hosted a tour of the Broward Sheriff's Office's (BSO) state-of-the-art Research, Development, and Training Center (RDTC). The event, billed as a faith-based outreach effort, drew over 50 religious leaders. However, among those granted front-row access to BSO's cutting-edge public safety technologies were persons with documented ties to Islamic extremism and terror-linked groups – exactly the type of individuals the BSO should be wary about sharing such information with.
Photos from the tour, published online, show Sheriff Tony smiling and standing arm-in-arm with three especially troubling figures: Imam Ibrahim Dremali, a Hamas supporter who called for the extermination of Jews; Rasheed Mahamad, who is associated with radical Muslim institutions and those promoting Holocaust denial; and Corey Shearer, the Florida Organizer for Emgage, a group tied to Islamist political activism. These individuals were not random invitees but well-known figures with concerning backgrounds and affiliations.
Ibrahim Dremali: A Cleric Who Called for the Eradication of Israel's Jews
Imam Ibrahim Dremali is no ordinary religious figure – he is a dangerous radical with a long history of spewing violent anti-Israel and anti-Semitic rhetoric. During a May 2021 interview, Dremali proclaimed, "The people, they want to make jihad. The people want to open the border… [I]f the Arab leaders open the borders of Palestine… the Jews, they'll be inside that ocean." This genocidal statement echoes the same hatred that inspired the October 7 Hamas massacre in Israel, and Dremali may have even had advance knowledge of the attack.
This past June, after his nephew was killed during the fighting in the war in Gaza, Dremali vengefully wrote, "I ask Allah to bomb the Zionists and everyone who helped, supported, assisted, and normalized relations with them." Also in June, when Iran targeted Israel's civilian neighborhoods with missile attacks, Dremali posted a photo of demolished Israeli apartment buildings, writing, "This destruction is not in Gaza, but this bombing is in Tel Aviv. O Allah, increase the bombing and destruction and take the lives of those in it."
Beyond words, Dremali – who grew up in Gaza and has admitted interaction with Hamas's founder, Ahmed Yassin – has encouraged material supportfor Hamas, calling on others to provide financial assistance to the terrorist organization. This is in blatant defiance of U.S. law.
Rasheed Mahamad: Connected to Radical Mosques and Promoters of Holocaust Denial
Also in attendance was Rasheed Mahamad, a notable member of the Islamic Center of South Florida (ICOSF), where he has served on the boardand is involved in both armed security and religious outreach. ICOSF is owned by the North American Islamic Trust (NAIT), the deed holder for many of the most radical mosques across America. NAIT was named an unindicted co-conspirator in the largest terrorism financing trial in U.S. history – the Holy Land Foundation (HLF) trial – where multiple individuals were convicted for funneling millions of dollars to Hamas.
ICOSF has dangerously aligned itself with Fadi Kablawi, a radical imam notorious for his vicious attacks on Jews, Christians, gays, women, and house pets. Despite his venomous rhetoric, Kablawi has been repeatedly invited by ICOSF to lead Friday sermons. About Jews, Kablawi has stated, Jews are "the lowest of the lowest" and "deserve the wrath of Allah." About jihad, Kablawi has said, "[J]ihad is when you put your life on the line… Real jihad is not climbing walls. Real jihad is climbing over people's necks and heads and skulls."
Not surprisingly, Rasheed Mahamad has used his social media to promote Kablawi.
Mahamad also served as Vice President and Treasurer of the American Muslim Association of North America (AMANA), a group led by notorious Hamas supporter Sofian Zakkout. Zakkout has organized pro-Hamas ralliesand promoted Holocaust denial. Due to public pressure arising from evidence provided by this author, Zakkout was ousted from the boards of two prominent crime prevention organizations – Citizens' Crime Watch and Crime Stoppers.
Mahamad's Facebook page cover photo depicts him standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Zakkout.
Corey Shearer and Emgage: Islamist Activism Masquerading as Civic Engagement
The third extremist attendee was Corey Shearer (a.k.a. Kareem Saalam), the Florida Outreach Specialist and Organizing Associate of Emgage, an entity that presents itself as a civic and political advocacy group for Muslims but has deep ties to dangerous Islamists. Emgage is a member organization of the South Florida Muslim Federation (SFMF), an umbrella group for South Florida's radical Muslim institutions and an organizer of pro-Hamas conferences.
Emgage has a history of placing extremists in leadership positions. The group's former South Florida Director, Syed Ammar Ahmed, once infamously joked that he "should have threatened to blow up" a school where he had been invited to participate in a debate. Additionally, the founder and former Chairman of Emgage, Khurrum Wahid, was reported to have been placed on a federal terrorist watch list in 2011.
Shearer, in particular, has promoted Islamic Relief, a global organization that has been banned by several countries, such as Israel and the United Arab Emirates, for its alleged links to terrorist financing, including ties to Hamas.
Sheriff Tony's Immigration Comments and Courting of Muslim Radicals
The RDTC tour took place in May, just prior to the intense scrutiny surrounding Sheriff Tony over comments he made regarding U.S. immigration policy. Tony had issued a statement that gave off the appearance that the BSO would not cooperate with immigration enforcement conducted by ICE – comments that elicited a warning from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier that the Sheriff could face removal if he does not help enforce immigration law.
Is the Sheriff's embrace of Muslim radicals a symptom of his alleged non-action concerning immigration?
Sheriff Gregory Tony's hosting of this tour was not simply a matter of outreach or good public relations. It was an alarming example of Broward law enforcement leadership turning a blind eye – or extending an open arm – to individuals who pose a potential threat to the community. Indeed, Sheriff Tony – along with his right-hand man, Executive Officer to the Sheriff Colonel Munib Ahmed, who also smiled for photos with Shearer – has been openly courting the radical Muslim community since he came to power.
Shearer, following the tour, posted gleefully on social media: "Honored to tour (for a second time) BSO's state-of-the-art Research, Development and Training Center (R.D.T.C.) Special thanks to our hosts, Sheriff Gregory Tony and Apostle John Mohorn… Broward is back!"
Sheriff Tony himself celebrated the occasion, stating: "Strengthening our relationship with faith-based leaders remains a priority, as we work together to foster trust, collaboration and community resilience…"
What kind of "trust" and "community resilience" is being built when those embraced are aligned with individuals and ideologies that celebrate terrorism, call for the destruction of Israel, and promote bigotry?
Beila Rabinowitz, Director of Militant Islam Monitor, contributed to this report.
https://www.frontpagemag.com/broward-county-sheriff-gregory-tony-gives-tour-to-radical-muslims/
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MIM: On July 11, 2024 the taxpayer funded BSO's Research,Development And Training Center was officially opened in Fort Lauderdale. Sheriff Tony declared "our mission remains focused on the safety and protection of the entire Broward County community".
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WHAT: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
WHEN: 11 a.m., Thursday, July 11, 2024
WHERE: Public Safety Building, 2601 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
MEDIA NOTE: Please use the entrance off of Northwest 27th Avenue. Please allow yourself extra time to get checked in (remember your photo ID) and escorted to the R.D.T.C.
VIDEO LINK: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVP5hIvxFZj0oW4xG3t8jqSHuKxJZzzW
Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony and the men and women of the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) have reached a significant milestone in the 109-year history of BSO as the state-of-the-art Research, Development and Training Center (R.D.T.C.) opens its doors.
Every aspect of the R.D.T.C. is specifically built to enhance the preparedness of first responders. The facility features specialized training rooms, simulation labs and tactical firing ranges designed to replicate real-world scenarios and hone critical decision-making skills and tactical readiness. Key components of the R.D.T.C. include:
-Two 50-yard tactical firing ranges featuring bay doors for vehicle entry, enabling realistic vehicle takedowns and active shooter drills.
- A two-story shoot house offering flexible configurations for various unique scenarios, including Department of Detention inmate extractions.
- A defensive tactics room that will allow first responders to train in hands-on techniques to help de-escalate potential use of force incidents.
- EMS simulation labs, which will enhance the readiness and medical skills of firefighter/paramedics for emergency response.
- A rappelling tower for SWAT and fire rescue personnel, preparing them for structural fires or multi-story building rescues and scenarios.
- A 22,000-square-foot strength and conditioning facility dedicated to keeping employees' mental and physical health at its peak.
- Three large configurable classrooms to accommodate employees' ongoing educational and professional development.
"While the R.D.T.C. represents innovation and progress, our mission remains focused on the safety and protection of the entire Broward County community. The first thing one sees as they walk into the lobby is a somber memorial to the 17 victims of the Parkland mass shooting," Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony said. "This serves as reminder of why we were called into this profession and why we must always strive to do better and continue to push beyond our limits."
THIS REPORT BY:
Miranda Grossman/PIO
https://www.sheriff.org/PIO/BSONews/Pages/BSO-UNVEILS-NEW--RESEARCH,-DEVELOPMENT-AND-TRAINING-CENTER-.aspx
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MIM: On March 23,2021 Sheriff Tony announced the creation an 'Office Of Inspector General' for the BSO calling it "one of my most important initiatives to date" and appointed Saudi born BSO Colonel Munib Ahmed as its' director, gushing that "He is a truly moral man and possesses "unquestionable integrity". Munib's official BSO biography (below) omits all mention of his birth and schooling in Saudi Arabia and doesnt cite his foreign anguage skills, which a appears to be a deliberate omission because this would explain more about his national security work with the FBI ,Joint Terrorism Task Force and the DHS.
The press release was a boilerplate example of leftist identity politics and trumpeted the BSO's DEI policy. The PR was headlined; Historic Announcement: Sheriff Tony Appoints First Black Woman To Lead DOD, Promotes First Colonel Of Indian Descent". Sheriff Tony also announced that he had promoted Munib to Colonel, adding that "Colonel Ahmed will be leading my most important initiatives to date-the creation of BSO's office of Inspector General". Ahmed was described as being of "Indian descent".
MIM: Colonel Munib's parents were from India and his father worked for the State Department in a diplomatic/consular capacity in Jeddah. Due to his parent's background Ahmed was admitted to an elite school for children of employees of the Indian embassy. "I had a lot of Arab,Indian and Pakistani friends growing up." He said that the school was 'Oxford level' and in addition to Arabic he learned Urdu and Hindi, as well as to write Sanskrit, adding that the there was 'a little bit of Arabic teaching due to the culture we were in'. (The Arabic teaching is likely a reference to Quranic studies).
Ahmed proudly recounted that he had 'been born during hajj' and that he had been on hajj to Mecca 5 times by the time he was 10 to 15 years old 'in the blessed month of Ramadan' because we lived an hour and half away from Mecca."
"Last week, Sheriff Tony made another historic announcement with the promotion of BSO veteran employee, Munib Ahmed, to colonel. Ahmed is BSO's first colonel of Indian descent in the agency's more than 105-year history. He has been with BSO for more than 17 years.
"Colonel Ahmed has been an essential member of my executive command staff. For two years, he has served as my executive officer providing much wisdom, guidance and historical perspective about BSO's culture and operations. He exercises sound judgement and demonstrates a remarkable work ethic," Sheriff Tony said.
Colonel Ahmed will be leading up one of my most important initiatives to date – the creation of BSO's Office of Inspector General. He is a truly moral man and possesses "unquestionable integrity."
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HISTORIC ANNOUNCEMENT: SHERIFF TONY
SELECTS FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO LEAD DOD,
PROMOTES FIRST COLONEL OF INDIAN DESCENT
PIO Number: 21-3-29
Date: March 23, 2021
Sheriff Gregory Tony is pleased to announce the selection of a Broward Sheriff's Office veteran employee to lead the Department of Detention and Community Programs.
Josefa Benjamin, who was also promoted to colonel, is the first Black woman to serve as executive director overseeing BSO's Department of Detention and Community Programs.
"It was my great honor to select Colonel Josefa Benjamin as the new executive director for BSO's Department of Detention, the first African American female to serve in that capacity," Sheriff Tony said. "Throughout Colonel Benjamin's 28-year career, she has embodied what a dedicated public safety officer should be."
Colonel Benjamin began her career with BSO in 1993 as a communications 911 dispatcher. She completed the 126th Corrections Academy in 1997 and was voted class president. Throughout her career, she has focused her attention on program units and youthful offenders in addition to working with inmates in need of substance abuse treatment. Her leadership skills and dedication to public safety have led her to rise steadily through the ranks to colonel.
Colonel Benjamin is passionate about taking a proactive stance to combat juvenile incarceration. She considers it a privilege to serve on the board of directors for the Piney Grove Boys Academy, where she mentored and coached young men from surrounding inner city areas. She also recently joined the board of directors for ChildNet, which advocates for the protection of abused, abandoned and neglected children.
Last week, Sheriff Tony made another historic announcement with the promotion of BSO veteran employee, Munib Ahmed, to colonel. Ahmed is BSO's first colonel of Indian descent in the agency's more than 105-year history. He has been with BSO for more than 17 years.
"Colonel Ahmed has been an essential member of my executive command staff. For two years, he has served as my executive officer providing much wisdom, guidance and historical perspective about BSO's culture and operations. He exercises sound judgement and demonstrates a remarkable work ethic," Sheriff Tony said.
"Colonel Ahmed will be leading up one of my most important initiatives to date – the creation of BSO's Office of Inspector General. He is a truly moral man and possesses unquestionable integrity."
Colonel Ahmed started his law enforcement career in 2003 with BSO as a road patrol deputy in Tamarac. He later joined the agency's Office of Homeland Security Division as a detective in the Counter Terrorism Unit. In 2017, he served as a supervisor in Weston before returning as supervisor of the Counter Terrorism Unit. His responsibilities included coordinating with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies for security planning, counter terrorism investigations, emergency management and command operations of high profile incidents, including coordination of law enforcement services for the Orange Bowl, Super Bowl and several national championships. Additionally, he regularly assisted the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and United States Secret Service with intelligence and protective service operations. He was also a part of the Special Weapons and Tactics Hostage Barricade Team.
The effective date for both promotions is March 27.
THIS REPORT BY:
Veda Coleman-Wright/Dir. of PIO
https://www.sheriff.org/PIO/BSONews/Pages/HISTORIC-ANNOUNCEMENT-SHERIFF-TONY-SELECTS-FIRST-BLACK-WOMAN-TO-LEAD-DOD,-PROMOTES-FIRST-COLONEL-OF-INDIAN-DESCENT.aspx
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Colonel Munib Ahmed
Executive Officer to the Sheriff
Colonel Munib Ahmed began his law enforcement career with the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) in 2003.Throughout his years of service at the BSO, Colonel Ahmed served as a road patrol deputy in the City of Tamarac, detective in BSO's Office of Homeland Security Counter Terrorism Unit, supervisor in the City of Weston before returning as a supervisor of Counter Terrorism Unit.
In his decades of experience with BSO, Colonel Ahmed participated in the Special Weapons and Tactics Hostage Barricade Team representing the Southeast Florida Law Enforcement Community and Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Operations Coordination. In this role, he reported on significant and upcoming DHS operations, operational responses, policy initiatives, and outreach on emerging threats and intelligence assessments.
Additionally, Colonel Ahmed regularly assisted the FBI-Joint Terrorism Task Force and United States Secret Service with intelligence and protective service operations. He coordinated with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies for security planning, counter terrorism investigations, emergency management and command operations of high-profile incidents, including coordination of law enforcement services for the Orange Bowl, Super Bowl, and several national college football championships.
In January 2019, he was appointed as Executive Officer to Sheriff Gregory Tony and in 2021 was promoted to Colonel, becoming the first person of Indian descent to serve in this capacity. Colonel Ahmed has developed relationships with numerous law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies, public safety agencies, and private sector corporations. He graduated from Southwest Miami Senior High School and holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management from the Union Institute & University. Colonel Ahmed is a graduate of the 281st session of the FBI's National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Colonel Ahmed is fluent in several languages and he has received numerous accolades from local, state and federal organizations for his dedication and excellence in service. In August 2022, Colonel Ahmed received his Masters in Public Administration from Lynn University.
https://www.sheriff.org/Administration/Pages/Profile.aspx?profileID=31
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Florida AG Warns Broward Sheriff Tony He Can Be Removed Fom Office If He Doesn't Enforce Federal Immigration Law
By Dan Christensen, FloridaBulldog.org
Upset by Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony's recent refusal to help enforce federal immigration law, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier today warned Tony that his failure to do so could lead the governor to remove him from office.
Uthmeier, citing a new Florida law requiring cooperation with federal immigration authorities, sent Tony a letter Monday morning noting Tony's "problematic remarks" at a June 3 meeting of the Broward County Commission's budget workshop.
"In that meeting, you stated that the Broward County Sheriff's Office (BSO) has 'other priorities in this community' and that 'immigration is not one of them.' You went on to say that arresting illegal aliens is 'not within our purview, it's not within our responsibility, and I won't participate in it.'
"I would hope your statements were mere political posturing, but if not, your expressed positions would constitute a failure of your statutory obligation to utilize 'best efforts to support the enforcement of federal immigration law' under 908.104(1), Florida Statutes," Uthmeier wrote. He noted that BSO is currently party to two agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including one signed in February.
He went on to cite several "horrific crimes" allegedly committed by illegal aliens in Broward County, including Carlos Jose Abreau, 36, of Sunrise. Abreau pleaded guilty in federal court in March to what Uthmeier characterized as "impersonating a U.S. citizen, illegally voting, and unlawfully possessing a firearm." He added that "Abreau had been living under a stolen identify for nearly two decades and is wanted in New Jersey for kidnapping, sexual assault, and endangering a child."
Given that, Uthmeier wrote "it is unclear to me why 'immigration' wouldn't be one of your priorities.
"Of all the funds Broward County devotes to its local agencies, your office receives 55.7 percent. I venture to suggest that there is room in your $765 million budget to abide by state law, cooperate fully with the federal government, and protect Florida citizens from illegal aliens…Florida law and policy prioritize removing illegal aliens from our communities. So must you.
"I request that you immediately clarify your remarks to affirm that your policy intention is to fulfill your obligations," Uthmeier continued. "My office will use every tool available to ensure local officials obey Florida law and protect public safety. Penalties for failure to adhere to the obligations set forth…include declaratory and injunctive relief, being held in contempt, or removal from office by the Governor.".
A copy of the letter was sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Sheriff Tony did not have an immediate response to the attorney general.
https://www.floridabulldog.org/2025/06/florida-ag-warns-broward-sheriff-tony-removed/
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Broward Sheriff Tony Backs Down On Immigration Stance After Florida AG Threatens His Job
By Dan Christensen, FloridaBulldog.org
Faced with what amounted to an ultimatum from Tallahassee that he assist ICE and enforce federal immigration law, Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony appeared to back down late Monday from his earlier public vow not to cooperate.
At a June 3 county commission budget workshop Tony was asked about immigration.
We have other priorities in this community that I'm focused on, and immigration is not one of them," said Tony, whose remarks were later broadcast by WPLG-Channel 10. "We're busting as many guys as we can. But what I refuse to do is take this notion that we need to be knocking on doors, or arresting children, or going into daycare centers or restaurants and taking and snatching people off these streets. It's not within our purview, it's not within our responsibility, and I won't participate in it."
Monday morning Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier fired off a letter to Tony asking him to clarify his "problematic remarks" and cautioned that if he did not Tony could face "removal from office by the Governor." Uthmeier copied his letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who first appointed Tony in 2019 and has spoken highly of him publicly even as Tony faced ethics and professional standards investigations after a Florida Department of Law Enforcement report detailed how Tony had repeatedly lied and covered up a variety of matters, including his arrest for murder in Philadelphia when he was 14 – and his later drug use.
"I would hope your statements were mere political posturing," Uthmeier wrote. "But if not, your expressed positions would constitute a failure of your statutory obligation to utilize best efforts to support the enforcement of federal immigration law." Uthmeier cited newly enacted Florida Statute 908.104(1), which requires state officials to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
Tony's Reply
In his Monday afternoon reply, Tony didn't directly address whether he was grandstanding at last week's workshop but said this:
"Let me reassure you that, as Sheriff of Broward County, I fully appreciate and understand my responsibilities under Florida law as they pertain to immigration enforcement," he wrote in a reply letter to Uthmeier. "It is BSO's priority to address criminal activity within our community, including crimes committed by unauthorized aliens, and to work with our federal partners."
Tony went on to acknowledge that BSO has standing cooperation agreements with ICE, or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including a February "287(g) Task Force Model authorizing trained and credentialed deputies "to assist ICE with federal immigration enforcement upon request. BSO has been complying, and will continue to comply, with our obligations under these agreements."
"BSO is not only enforcing the law against unauthorized aliens who commit crimes in the community, it is also a leader in this effort," Tony wrote. "Just over two months ago, I hosted a press conference with the U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to announce the arrest of nine MS 13 gang members responsible for multiple murders in Broward County. BSO initiated this investigation, working in partnership" with the FBI and other federal agencies. He also told Uthmeier how, five years ago, BSO "reopened a closed homicide investigation and a Brazilian foreign national as the prime suspect in a series of homicides in Broward County in the early 2000s."
"These are just a few examples cited to reassure you of BSO's continuing commitment to work with our federal partners to address criminal activity by unauthorized aliens in our community," Tony wrote. "As a law enforcement agency, BSO will continue to comply with Florida law regarding immigration enforcement.
"Again, thank you for the opportunity to clarify my remarks. I trust that this response gives you a better perspective and understanding of my commitment to complying with Florida laws and combatting crime within our community," he wrote. Tony sent a copy to Gov. DeSantis.
https://www.floridabulldog.org/2025/06/broward-sheriff-tony-backs-down-immigration/
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SOUTH FLORIDA PROTEST CALLS FOR JIHAD
Wednesday October 18, 2000
Um Ahmad (aka Lamyaa Hashim)
MIAMI (IslamOnline) - Pro-Palestinian demonstrations in South Florida are gradually taking on a more aggressive tone. Last Saturday protestors in Miami gathered for the fifth time since the beginning of the current intifada sparked by a controversial visit by Ariel Sharon to the al-Haram al-Sharif.
This is the fourth of such protests held in front of the Israeli consulate in Miami, the other was held in front of the Holocaust Memorial as a counter protest to a pro-Israeli rally.
Saturday's demonstration was not a call for peace with the Israelis. Rather, the demonstration specifically called for a jihad (holy struggle).
Muslims representing several countries joined together in chanting pro-jihadi slogans, such as "We don't want negotiation, with jihad we'll claim our nation," and "With jihad we'll claim our land, Zionist blood will wet the sand."
Karima Rahim, an American Muslima, said, "I think what the Israeli Jews are doing is a crime against humanity. They [the Israelis] need to get out of that land [Palestine]. If the U.S. is so worried about it, they should just give them [Palestinians] a state."
Five-year-old Jibreel S., clad in military fatigues and holding a sign reading "Jewish values: Kill women and children," took the lead in an all children's demonstration held behind the adults. Another child led the group in chanting, "U.S. taxes paid the bill, Israelis used it all to kill."
This was Jibreel's second protest in one week. At the first protest he attended, during a public reading of the names of the shuhadaa (martyrs), he cried out, "Why? Why? Why are they killing those kids? What did they do wrong?" While adults tried to keep their tears back, Jibreel grabbed the megaphone on his own and shouted "Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!"
Turnout at Saturday's protest indicated that what is occurring in Palestine is not just a concern for Palestinians, but for Muslims from around the world as well. Not only were there Palestinian, but also Bosnian, Chechen, Egyptian, Moroccan, Hezbollah, and various African and other green Islamic flags waved throughout the day in solidarity.
The crowd cheered loudly as a car passed with a Saudi Arabian youth holding a sign that read: "I have a dream... that one day Palestine will be free." When questioned by reporters, he emphatically stated: "Make sure you let people know that I am from Saudi Arabia. I want people to know that Saudi Arabians are standing up for Palestine!" People from all backgrounds seemed to share the same sentiment.
The demonstration took on a more solemn tone when the crowd gathered together around a mock cemetery with cardboard "gravestones" for each of the Palestinians killed since the beginning of the current intifada.
The scene was grim as children laid down in between the graves without moving while Ibrahim Dremali, the Imam of the Islamic Center of Boca Raton, urged the crowd not to be sad for those who were martyred, and to not be afraid to die for what they believe in.
The crowd then joined in following a mock funeral procession amidst shouts of "Haya 'ala al-jihad," occasionally stopping to burn Israeli flags.
Before the crowd dispersed, Muslims from all backgrounds loudly chanted "Muslims united, will never be divided".
Observers have stated that if the Israelis were to be credited with anything these past two weeks, it would be for uniting the Muslim and Arab world against them.
Another demonstration is scheduled for October 21st at the Holocaust War Memorial in Miami. (for more details and directions, contact www.free-jerusalem.com)
This item is available on the Militant Islam Monitor website, at http://www.militantislammonitor.org/article/id/8154