Education officials in Florida have launched an investigation into a private Muslim school after an antisemitic-laced video of an Imam calling for the annihilation of Jews came to light. The Florida Department of Education sent a letter to Reviver Academy demanding an explanation regarding its relationship with Imam Dr. Fadi Kablawi, who made the inflammatory remarks during a sermon at a mosque located on the school grounds. The school has received $500,000 in taxpayer-funded vouchers benefiting 74 students, but officials are now threatening to revoke this funding if the school does not comply with their demands.
The investigation is seeking information on the ownership of the school, the relationship between Kablawi and the school and its students, and whether any students were present for the Imam’s speech. Cathy Russell, the deputy executive director of the Florida Department of Education, stated that Florida will not tolerate calls for genocide, particularly in the presence of students. Families in Florida are allowed to use taxpayer-funded vouchers to pay tuition at the school of their choice, including private religious schools like Reviver Academy. The Imam’s video, which was livestreamed on Facebook, shows him calling for the annihilation of Jews and describing the Israeli military as worse than Nazis.
In the video, Kablawi can be heard making inflammatory remarks against Jewish people, calling for their annihilation and referring to them as the “brothers of apes and pigs.” The investigation is requesting all information related to the Imam’s speech and the school has one week to respond to the demands. This investigation comes amid a wave of antisemitism on college campuses and the school may be at risk of losing its taxpayer-funded vouchers due to the Imam’s inflammatory remarks. The Florida Department of Education is actively pursuing this investigation and has also reached out to Kablawi for comment.
Republican State Rep. Randy Fine wrote to the Florida Department of Education urging them to suspend the school’s eligibility for taxpayer funding and to launch an investigation into the school. The Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus and the non-profit StopAntisemitism have also supported Fine’s calls for action. Fine has additionally written to the Florida Board of Dentistry, requesting that Kablawi’s dental license be suspended and an investigation into his practice be conducted. The school and the Imam could face serious consequences if they do not cooperate with the demands of the investigation and address the antisemitic statements that were made.
The Florida Department of Education is taking action against Reviver Academy and Imam Dr. Fadi Kablawi in response to the inflammatory video that surfaced. The school is being asked to provide information on its ownership, Kablawi’s relationship with the school, and any possible involvement of students in the Imam’s sermon. Officials have warned that the school may be in violation of the voucher program due to the Imam’s ties to the institution and the nature of his remarks. This investigation highlights the importance of addressing antisemitism and hate speech in educational settings and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
