Broward commissioner slams school district for calling Hamas ‘militant’ rather than ‘terrorist’
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Broward County Commissioner Michael Udine criticized the Broward County school district for referencing Hamas as a militant group instead of a terrorist group.
“Militant groups don’t torture and burn innocent civilians. They don’t take hostages. They don’t rape for fun. Terrorists groups do that,” Udine said on social media. “Was ISIS a ‘militant group’ NO they were terrorists. Same goes for Hamas. #wordsmatter.”
Broward specifically stated, “Our District is aware of information being circulated about activity by the militant group Hamas on Friday, October 13, 2023. In online posts, former Hamas leader Khalid Mashall called for a ‘Day of Jihad’ Friday against Jewish institutions across the globe.”
Florida’s Voice reached out to the district about the commissioner’s comments, and did not receive an immediate response.
FBI Director Christopher Wray assured Jewish leaders his agency was aware of the warning for global “mobilization.”
“I am not, in any way, trying to alarm you, but I want you to be confident that the FBI is most assuredly paying attention,” Wray said. “We remain vigilant to the potential of this event to inspire violence” against Jewish people, houses of worship, day schools and Jewish community centers in the United States.”
Broward school officials and local law enforcement are reportedly monitoring any threats to the community.
“The BCPS Safety and Security division is maintaining constant and ongoing communications with law enforcement intelligence,” the district said. “BCPS school security personnel are on and will remain on high alert.”
On Tuesday, Udine, along with the Broward County Commission, voted unanimously to adopt resolutions in support of Israel after the country was attacked by Hamas terrorists on Saturday.
Broward County declared the Jewish state’s right to protect itself and its citizens against attack while supporting Israel’s right to live in peace and security. It advocated for appropriate Israeli action to secure the safe return of Israeli hostages while providing severability at an effective date.
A supplemental resolution denounced the brutal, unprovoked attack on the state of Israel by Hamas while supporting the state of nation’s right to defend itself. It also urged President Joe Biden and Congress to provide emergency assistance to Israel, providing for severability and an effective date.
Udine slammed Hamas and its sympathizers’ preceding the vote. He also referred to it as Israel’s 9/11.
“So the actions of Hamas, a terrorist organization that calls for the destruction of the Israeli state, it’s deplorable. It’s disgraceful,” Udine said. “And I do have to say, as a resident of Broward County and of the United States, people that are out protesting in favor of what Hamas is doing that is equally as deplorable. It’s disgusting.”
The war has reportedly left thousands dead, including at least 27 Americans. Hamas, which is backed by Shi’ite Iran, began its deadly assault by launching at least 5,000 rockets into southern Israel last weekend.
“It should be condemned. It should be condemned from here. I condemn that free speech is one thing, going out to protest in favor of slaughtering beheading and burning babies is something quite different. It’s disgusting, and it’s disgraceful,” Udine continued.
