TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online
CAIR: Deal With Threat Made Against 6th-Grader
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: November 13, 2007
ST. PETERSBURG - A Muslim civil rights organization is calling on Pinellas County school officials to investigate a threat it says was made against a sixth-grade Muslim girl at Azalea Middle School.
The 11-year-old girl, Hannah, told reporters she's afraid to go back to school after a boy pulled off her head scarf and the next day threatened to shoot and kill her.
"I feel so afraid," she said. "I should just switch schools."
The Council on American-Islamic Relations held a news conference Monday afternoon outside the school at 22nd Avenue North and 79th Street North with the girl and her parents, all of whom would give only their first names, citing security concerns. Ahmed Bedier, executive director of CAIR's Tampa chapter, said the organization's primary concern is the safety of Hannah and the other students at the school.
Bedier said school officials have not taken appropriate actions to ensure the safety of all students at the school and should be following their own policy by contacting police.
Andrea Zahn, spokeswoman for the Pinellas County School District, said school officials have not contacted police because "a threat assessment is still under way."
She said that the story Bedier is telling does not match what school officials have heard. She said that an administrator at Azalea Middle School met with the parents last week and resolved their concerns.
Bedier and the parents, however, said that's not the case.
According to CAIR, Hannah and her parents, this is what happened:
The boy had harassed the girl for about a week. He punched her and pushed her up against the wall, choking her. He tugged at her head scarf, and this past Wednesday, he pulled it off her head.
Hannah began crying and the teacher told her to go to the bathroom to fix her scarf. Hannah said she asked to have her seat moved to get away from the boy, but was told she would have to work for it.
The next day, the boy told the girl he was going home to get a gun to shoot and kill her.
Bedier said the boy didn't say anything against Muslims, so there's no way yet to know whether the harassment was directed at Hannah solely because of her religion. He said Hannah is the only girl in the school who wears a hijab.
"I wear the head scarf because I love my faith," Hannah told reporters. "It was my choice ... My mom is my role model, and she teaches me to put the head scarf on. She teaches me to be a good Muslim."
Bedier had no opinion about what should happen to the boy. He said the blame for the incident's escalation rests with school officials, who failed to act early enough to stop the progression.
"Inaction will empower the boy to do further violence in the future," Bedier said. He said it sends the message that his actions are not a problem.
Hannah's mother, Maria, said she left a phone message for the sixth-grade principal. He called her back Friday and told her he would take care of the matter. Bedier, though, said the girl has not been interviewed, and the boy is still in school.
Reporter Elizabeth Silvestrini can be reached at (813) 259-7837 or esilvestrini@tampatrib.com. Reporter Mark Douglas can be reached at (727) 536-8443 or mdouglas@wfla.com.
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)
* Keep it clean
* Respect others
* Don't hate
* Don't use language you wouldn't use with your mom
* Use "Report Inappropriate Comments" link when necessary
* See Member Agreement for details
Reader Comments
Posted by ( agirlcalledshell ) on November 13, 2007 at 12:16 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
And this was posted again why? so we can have the same arguement we had earlier! LOL let the fireworks begin!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( DennyCrane ) on November 13, 2007 at 5:19 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( RedTide ) on November 13, 2007 at 6:07 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Go back to the Middle East? Didn't the indians tell us to go back to Europe as well? This country was built on the invitation of all cultures, this girl did nothing wrong by wearing her hijab. Blame CAIR for making this a muslim issue, not the 11 year old girl.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( RobKay ) on November 13, 2007 at 7:47 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I had no idea there were so many islamic scholars in Tampa.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( madmike ) on November 13, 2007 at 7:56 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( 91stormvet ) on November 13, 2007 at 7:59 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I had no idea that their were so many people who already forgotten about 9/11. This is not about the girl, this is about cair. Here is a quote from the current leader or the tampa chapter front group.
Ahmed Bedier (Click Photo)
CAIR-Florida Communications Director
"We are to the American Muslim community what the NAACP is to blacks
in America. If you attack us, you are attacking the Muslim community
and the religion of Islam in this country." (Mpls Star-Trib -10/24/06)
"Catholic priests pose more of a terrorism threat by having sex
with young altar boys than those who flew planes
into the World Trade Center."
Stay vigilant people and stop watching so much left wing news media. Do some research online or be the good infidel and act as if muslims have your best interest at heart.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( ad ) on November 13, 2007 at 8:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This kid is too well versed and scripted for what happened. Investigation has proved there are significant questions about the girl's crediability. She herself has initiated some action or has been well schooled by an adult to become a media event.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( 91stormvet ) on November 13, 2007 at 8:13 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Michael Savage is asking that everyone call their representatives and ask that they investigate cair for being a front grup and manipulating the media. You see he speaks out against extremist muslims and they in kind threaten him with lawsuits and have all their people call his sponsors and tell them to pull their sponsorship. This has worked in Minnesota where, guess who, Keith Ellison is govenor. A muslim who shouted Allah Akbar in his victory party. Call your reps and demand this group show it hands from funds to alliances.
Look at the UK and ask them how they feel about the sharia law that has taken hold in some places? Theat place is not far from a civil disturbance.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( cshultz110 ) on November 13, 2007 at 8:16 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Okay! Here is the point everyone keeps missing with political correctness. I truly believe that what makes our country great is our respect for other cultures and religions, but sometimes it simply is not acceptable. We CANNOT afford to miss this point: It is a wonderful concept to respect other religions so long as they are respectful of other religions too. The Islamic religion is NOT!!! That is the point everyone has missed. Please read the Koran! JMT is correct! These people want to eventually destroy us (us defined as anyone not a muslim, not just Christians)! Here is a question non muslims need to ask themselves.
1. How many Muslim best friends do you have? Answer: None, they tolerate us and are "dealing" with us until the see the door wide open to take over.
Finally, a few analogies:
1. As during the times of the cold war, if we keep giving up our nukes (freedoms) on a good faith basis and they are quietly stockpiling theirs (gaining political strength), how long will it take before they get to the center of the tootsie roll pop we have handed them (taking over and eliminating all non-muslims)???
2. I am in favor of the right for any person to bear arms (guns), but when one particular group of people decide that they want to expand upon that right and start to kill innocent people, I am also in favor of the right to eliminate that group!!! The muslim people are that group! What are you going to do about it!
Final thought: All of you who criticized the government for not taking action when they received warnings BEFORE 9/11 . . . here is chance to do something BEFORE muslim domination and our annialation!!
Take Action!!!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( 91stormvet ) on November 13, 2007 at 8:24 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
JulioAugustine
did u or anyone you know get bullied in high school? Did it ever become a media circus and front groups for terrorist show and defend the one being bullied? The point is this girls family and cair are using this to push their agenda. Do you think Joel Osteen will show up and defend my daughter if a muslim boy picks on her? Answer no. That's because seperation of church and state unless your muslim.If no action, I would tell my daughter to go up the bully and punch him/her square in the face and end his agression. The bully only picks on someone because they can. Stand up and watch how fast they retreat. Again this is not about the girl it is about cair. cair can go peddle their garbage somewhere else like Minnesota. Lots of kool aid drinkers there. I'm telling you folks, a good majority of America is tired of hearing about the illegals and the muslims. The breaking point is not far off.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( 91stormvet ) on November 13, 2007 at 8:32 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
cshultz110
Bravo and well Stated. Do not be the clown who asks why did'nt Bush do more to protect us GOD forbid another muslim attack on our country. Do some research people. I'm starting my doctorate in January and the focus will be on muslim goals for America: See Quote. They are using political correctness and our legal system against us and here is the quote.
"Those who stay in America should be open to society without melting, keeping Mosques open so anyone can come and learn about Islam. If you choose to live here, you have a responsibility to deliver the message of Islam ... Islam isn't in America to
be equal to any other faiths, but to become dominant. The Koran, the Muslim book
of scripture, should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only
accepted religion on Earth."
"Fighting for freedom, fighting for Islam, that is not suicide," ...
"They kill themselves for Islam."
(Ahmad Praises Suicide Bombers)
" Politics is a completion of War "
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( nataS ) on November 13, 2007 at 8:44 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
A parent with a fat child who is bullied at school needs to hold a press conference and demand that something be done. Kids have been bullying kids for years and often the child being bullied can't get anyone to listen or do anything about it for them. This is a little over the top. It's a child. Use this opportunity to teach him to respect others and their differences...and keep that kid away from the ignorant people posting on this board.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Jackie69 ) on November 13, 2007 at 8:51 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( nataS ) on November 13, 2007 at 8:57 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Oh god...here we go with the prayer in schools. It seems like the lines of write and wrong are more blurred in the churches these days. Don't tell me that prayer is going to make everything better. Sexual abuse, theft, fraud...the churches are no better than the rest of the world if not worse.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( GodBlessAmerica ) on November 13, 2007 at 8:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
It is really strange how all of a sudden Muslim kids are wearing their scarfs to school...I sure can't remember any of them wearing the scarf to school when I was going to school... WOW my daughter has been threatened allot by bullies at school...Lets make it a BIG deal because she is Muslim waaa waaa...LETS ALL GET SCARFS
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Roberto ) on November 13, 2007 at 9:37 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Good thing Hispanics don't have a CAIR or an NAACP.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( mrjadams ) on November 13, 2007 at 9:57 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This country belongs to everyone that is an American. Religoin or race plays no part in that.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( brobeth1 ) on November 13, 2007 at 10:32 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( pmax ) on November 13, 2007 at 10:43 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
In response the commenst by (91 stormvet)and to paraphrase him or her.
Catholic priests pose more of an a threat than those who the terrorists who flew planes into the twin towers.
What are you, some kind of a moron?
What religion other than muslumism will kill you if you convert from their ism to another. How many priests cut off the heads of infidels, how many clergy, be they priests or some other men of the robe fly planes into the towers killing the thousands of innocent persons.
The ism of muhamid is a belief built on the principle of conquest.
Salman Rushdie wrote a book called Satanic Verses. His comments and quotes came directly from the koran. A bounty was put on his head.
According to the muslim, it is a horrible sin to defame the koran, punishable up to death.
Send them all back and let them return only when we can build Christian churches next to their mosques in Saudi Arabia.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( mrjadams ) on November 13, 2007 at 10:47 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
brobeth1: It seems to be quite an accurate statement to me. Our constitution grants each citizen the same rights as the next. If our society actually practiced the laws we set as a nation long ago, we wouldn't have things like religious bigotry or race bigotry. Our society would be more affluent if we actually took heed and practiced what our forefathers mapped out for us to do. After all, we came to this country to be free of religious tyranny. It is terrible that our society now, looks to establish the very thing we tried to break away from.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( brobeth1 ) on November 13, 2007 at 10:59 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
mrjadams: Are you even aware what is going on today? I think you should read just a LITTLE bit of the crappy koran and then talk about religious rights! We as a country have bent TOO far over for religious rights! As for what our forefathers wanted: it has nothing to do with islam. This country was founded on christianity.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( brobeth1 ) on November 13, 2007 at 11:14 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Bobo: LOL
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( brobeth1 ) on November 13, 2007 at 11:19 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Julio:I have to say you 2 guys? Have made my day a little brighter with the laughs. Thanks!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( danespo ) on November 13, 2007 at 11:20 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
mrjadams, Freedom of religion is wonderful when it works both ways. When a group or religion does not acknowlege your right to exist and looks down their nose at your way of thinking and want to destroy it, the fundamental rights our forefathers established are eliminated.
Why is the schools story different from the girls story?
Why does CAIR get involved over a bullying incident at school and it makes the paper?
The quotes and policies attributed to CAIR are no better than the KKK, do they get front page coverage to air their views?
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( mrjadams ) on November 13, 2007 at 11:27 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
brobeth1: I have indeed read the Koran (as translated into English so I am not how accurate it was but...), I have read many religious books. Aside of how you feel towards Muslims or any other religion, the laws of our country are clear. You are free to practice any religion you should choose to.
If you feel that these laws should be changed, lobby for it to happen and make those changes.
This country was founded on basic Christianity, yes, but doesn't Christianity promote loving thy neighbor and loving thy enemy?
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Paige ) on November 13, 2007 at 11:41 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( mrjadams ) on November 13, 2007 at 11:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
danespo: The fundamental rights our forefathers established were eliminated a long time ago by the citizens of this country. This happened when our country decided that religion shouldn't play a major part in our everyday society. If you feel that Islam is destroying our country, then strive to be a better Christian and show them the love that Christianity can provide for them. If it is their disposition to not be accepting of that love, I ask how falling to the level you hold them at will help your cause?
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Paige ) on November 13, 2007 at 11:54 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( brobeth1 ) on November 13, 2007 at noon ( Suggest removal )
mrjadams: Are YOU muslim?
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( mrjadams ) on November 13, 2007 at 12:02 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Paige: I sympathize for every human, regardless of religion. Muslims, Christians, Pagans, etc etc etc...it is my duty as a Christian to do so. I fully agree that this country needs to start standing up for Christian values and heritage. That starts with each individual accepting Jesus as their savior and upholding his teachings.
This story made the news because their was a threat with a gun involved. This would have made the news if she were an Atheist or Christian or Muslim or which ever religion you'd like to choose. CAIR became involved because she is Muslim, that's what they do.
Do I agree with the teachings of the Muslim religion, No. But as a Christian I accept them for who they are and love them for being one of God's creations. You sway from the teachings of Christ when you spit rhetoric about anybody.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( mrjadams ) on November 13, 2007 at 12:12 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Brobeth1: I am a Christian. I strive daily to live my life the way that Jesus asked me to live it.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( danespo ) on November 13, 2007 at 12:23 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
mrjadams, For Muslims,Islam is the only factual ideology and leaves no room for any further changes and reforms. Islam was announced as the final religion, which God revealed himself to humanity as the last offer for an eternal salvation of mankind. The majority of the people in the Middle East welcomed Islam 14 centuries ago simply to escape the social repression and the corrupted systems of the time. It would be a big mistake if one believes that what Islam did centuries ago can save humanity now in the 21st Century. Will an Islamic theocracy bring economic prosperity and peace to the Middle East? Did Iranian theocracy deliver economic achievement and social freedom after 24 years of Islamic rule? Why bother to live longer when one can shortcut to heaven by becoming martyr? One can conclude, easily, that Islam as an obstinate religion with no flexibility in its 1400-year old doctrine is indeed a threat to our modern civilization and humanity in general.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Paige ) on November 13, 2007 at 12:28 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( blackbengal ) on November 13, 2007 at 12:33 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
91stormvet
Sorry but Tim Pawlenty is the Governor Minnesota. Keith Ellison represents a congressional district where I used to live.
The problem with Islam is that in Muslim countries no other religion is tolerated. Try practicing Christianty in Saudi Arabia. We tolerate all faiths in this country. Muslims wont dare go to their countries of origin and defend religious minorities.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( USFBull ) on November 13, 2007 at 12:33 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Amen!!!
I appreciate those sentiments, Paige. When will these Palestinian sympatizers wake up?!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( danespo ) on November 13, 2007 at 12:34 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
mrjadams, some quaran quotes for your reading pleasure: 4.101. For the Unbelievers are unto you open enemies.
5.14. From those, too, who call themselves Christians, We did take a covenant, but they forgot a good part of the message that was sent them: so we estranged them, with enmity and hatred between the one and the other, to the day of judgment. And soon will Allah show them what it is they have done.
5.51. O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust.
5.72. They do blaspheme who say: "(Allah) is Christ the son of Mary." But said Christ: "O Children of Israel! worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord." Whoever joins other gods with Allah,- Allah will forbid him the garden, and the Fire will be his abode. There will for the wrong-doers be no one to help.
8.14. Thus (will it be said): "Taste ye then of the (punishment): for those who resist Allah, is the penalty of the Fire."
8.65. O Messenger. rouse the Believers to the fight. If there are twenty amongst you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred: if a hundred, they will vanquish a thousand of the Unbelievers: for these are a people without understanding.
mrjadams, A religion or group that is out to destroy your way of life is a serious threat and should not be taken lightly.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( mrjadams ) on November 13, 2007 at 1:08 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Since the inception of religion into the culture of Man, all religious groups have committed murder and have attempted to destroy the way of life that opposes theirs, this is well known to anyone that went to school and studied any history of any type. Do I prosecute those that differ from me, no. I attempt to put Christ in their lap and teach them of his great ways. I do not judge others for their belief, as doing so would violate Christian values that I have lived by and stood by my whole life. I will continue to pray for those that do not know the love that Christ offers to each person, I will continue to do this because as a Christian it is my duty to do so.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( danespo ) on November 13, 2007 at 1:50 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
mrjadams, You are correct, all religions have done that in their PAST, a thousand years ago. When was the Crusades? When was the last time a Christian killed anyone in the name of their religion? Is that how you would have dealt with Hitler? Love him and turn the other cheek? It didn't work out well for Poland or France now did it? You go pray, I'll be watching my back.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( mrjadams ) on November 13, 2007 at 2:48 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( danespo ) on November 13, 2007 at 2:59 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Britain and the USA are SECULAR governments and the wars you speak of were not in the name of Christianity, but in the name of DEMOCRACY and FREEDOM.
Furthermore, many Jews and Mormans and atheists fought in those wars as it was not in the name of any religion, but FREEDOM.
Bush is a moron, you are not telling me anything new.
Mulims want to destroy our way of life in the name of their religion, BIG DIFFERENCE.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( mrjadams ) on November 13, 2007 at 3:22 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Danespo: Seems we could banter back and forth all day long about this. Your points have been taken to heart and will be something I ponder on in the future. All though, I will continue to pray for those that do not know of Christ and his love as well as those that condemn others for not accepting that love. Also, keep in mind that Democracy and Freedom all stem from a certain religious belief. If we are to "help" a country by "liberating it", those citizens would still have the religious freedom to choose what religion they would like to practice, I am betting that most will continue to be Muslim....just a guess though. Are you going to think less of the Iraqi people when we finally leave their home and they are considered a Democratic Muslim state??
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( danespo ) on November 13, 2007 at 3:33 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I had much respect for the Constitutional Monarchy that was the basis of Iran's government before it was overthrown, as any religion was allowed to practice freely. This freedom of religion is NOT available currently in Iran and the Islamists(fanitics) will KILL those who oppose it. Iraq is on it's way to democracy, as long as it stays secular and allows a voice to ALL religion or those who chose no religion at all, I have no problem, we'll see if that happens. Many problems there now are due to the three factions of Muslims; Kurds, Shiiltes and Sunni, who are all jockying for power and control. Hopefully they can get their act together and get along.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( mrjadams ) on November 13, 2007 at 3:47 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Danespo: I feel like you and I have really gotten through to each other today. I appreciate your insight as it was actual/factual insight and not just words rolling from your mouth. You are an astute person. I hope my opinion has been something you think about in high regard as well.
I pray that the crisis in the Middle East is resolved very soon. And I will continue to pray that all peoples of this planet will one day be free to choose which religion they would so like to choose with out living through tyranny...Christian and Muslim alike.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( danespo ) on November 13, 2007 at 4:02 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
mrjadams, I echo your feelings, it has been my pleasure to chat with you. I will think about the things you have said and will hold them in high regard.
Thank you, and have a good afternoon.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( cshultz110 ) on November 14, 2007 at 2:14 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
See Mrjadams and danespo! Can't we just all get along (LOL, preferably without a muslim government or tyranny.) You too have shown us that we can!
Report Inappropriate Comments