HOLLYWOOD, FL (VINnews/Sandy Eller) – Reports circulating on social media about a thwarted terror attack in South Florida appear to have been inaccurate, with police detaining a Muslim man under a Florida law that allows authorities to have individuals to be examined at a mental health facility after displaying bizarre behavior.
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Rabbi Maoz Itshakov of the Eliyahu Hanavi Sepharadic Synagogue in Hollywood said that Hisham Abdallah Khasawinah began frequenting synagogues in the area approximately six months ago, saying that he wanted to convert to Judaism.
After congregants began doubting Khasawinah’s mental stability, Rabbi Itshakov contacted local law enforcement who said that they would monitor the situation.
During his many visits to Eliyahu Hanavi, Khasawinah participated in prayers, singing and other activities, pitching in to lend a hand as needed.
Rabbi Itshakov said that despite the obvious mental issues, he has no doubt that Khasawinah was sincere in his quest to convert to Judaism.
Members of the congregation became alarmed on January 25th when Khasawinah reportedly said that seven people would die, contacting Rabbi Itshakov who was out of town.
Rabbi Itshakov reached out to the authorities who began searching for Khasawinah, locating him at the Netive Ezra synagogue in Aventura where congregants called police because of his displays of seemingly unstable behavior.
Police detained Khasawinah under the Baker Act and discovered a knife in his car, contrary to rumors on social media suggesting that he was carrying a knife in the synagogue.
Miami Dade Police Department chaplain Mark Rosenberg told VIN News that both the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security were called in to investigate the incident and that no evidence of a hate crime or a terror threat were found.
As far as I see it, anyone who wants to convert to our religion is crazy anyway – why give him a hard time? he’d probably be saner than 99% of the commenters on this site.
Give him a chance. Remember, he’s not Frum YET!
Both congregations did 100% the right thing. Way better safe that sorry – and dead. There are SCN and CSS organizations that train shuls on what to do in any event. Calling 911 first is essential.
as the Sfardim are wont to say, “honor him, but suspect him”
or in Hebrew, Kabduhu V’Chasduhu.
Muslim man tells Jews that seven of them will die.
Forgets his weapon in his car.
No evidence of a terror threat found.
What am I missing?
Oh right. It’s just Jews. No biggie. They’re used to this.
A Muslim with a Knife in his car, yeah I carry knives all the time.
so hes ISIS?