Controversial Figure Teaching at Staten Island’s Muslim Community Center

Tarek Mehanna, convicted of plotting to kill Americans and training with terrorist groups, has been teaching young children at a Muslim community center in Staten Island. It’s a surprising turn, considering his past.

For around five months, Mehanna has taught Arabic and the Quran to preschoolers at the Muslim Community Center in West Brighton. He openly supports armed jihad against Americans, both abroad and at home. This controversial employment was highlighted by Mayor Adams and an adviser to the center in a recent Facebook post. Adams has visited other Muslim centers before, but this situation feels quite different.

Mehanna, now 43, teaches four hours a day, four days a week. Councilman Frank Morano expressed his concerns, saying, “I want every chance for rehabilitation, but… it’s insane to allow convicted terrorists to teach children.” His words reflect a deeper unease among many.

Federal prosecutors recounted how the events of 9/11 affected Mehanna’s perspective, pushing him towards radical thoughts. In 2002, after being denied entry to Afghanistan, he and his associates began discussing methods to kill Americans. Their initial plans involved firearms and targets like shopping malls, but these ideas were ultimately deemed impractical, leading them to focus instead on harming U.S. soldiers.

In a government memorandum from a 2012 ruling, it was detailed that by 2004, they planned to seek training in Yemen and equipped themselves for that journey. Mehanna was determined, despite the setbacks. He previously worked as a pharmacist and later attended a terrorist training camp in Pakistan, aiming to join al-Qaeda in Iraq and contending with American forces.

After his capture, Mehanna spent 14 years in federal prison for providing support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder. When questioned by authorities, he misled them about his travels and later translated jihadist propaganda that he distributed online.

His extremist activities included screening gruesome videos of beheadings at gatherings he hosted. He expressed disturbing pleasure in these images and made offensive remarks regarding American casualties, including an Israeli soldier’s death, reflecting a troubling mindset.

Mehanna’s history raises serious questions about his role model status for the children he teaches. Critics, including former Congressman Dov Hikind, have voiced outrage, wondering what kind of values he might impart to young minds. Amidst concerns, Mehanna has also made several controversial remarks about American soldiers and terrorists in his online posts.

Since opening in mid-January, the Muslim Community Center on Staten Island has been the subject of scrutiny and dialogue regarding its values and the implications of Mehanna’s presence. The center recently submitted a non-profit establishment document but has not commented on the ongoing concerns.

City Councilman Inna Vernikov emphasized the need for educational environments in America to reflect the nation’s values. She called for Mehanna’s removal from any position where he could influence children. The debate over his role continues, as many wonder whether someone with such a troubling past can truly be reformed.