(DailyChive.com) – A convicted terrorist supporter, who once translated Al-Qaeda materials and plotted attacks on U.S. shopping malls, is now teaching Quran classes to children as young as four at a Staten Island mosque with ties to NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ former advisor.
Key Takeaways
- Tarek Mehanna, convicted in 2011 for supporting Al-Qaeda and sentenced to 17 years in federal prison, is now teaching Arabic and Quran to young children at the Muslim Community Center (MCC) of Staten Island
- The mosque is founded by Mohamed Bahi, a former senior advisor to NYC Mayor Eric Adams, who announced Mehanna’s teaching position on Facebook before deleting the post amid scrutiny
- Mehanna’s writings compared the U.S. government to an “AIDS virus” and endorsed antisemitic conspiracies, raising serious concerns about his influence on children
- Critics, including former NY Assemblyman Dov Hikind, have condemned the mosque’s decision, citing Mehanna’s unrepentant extremism and potential to radicalize youth
- The case highlights the ongoing tension between rehabilitation of convicted felons and legitimate public safety concerns, particularly when children are involved
Convicted Terrorist Now Teaching Children at NYC Mosque
In a shocking development that raises serious questions about vetting procedures at religious institutions, Tarek Mehanna, a man convicted on terrorism-related charges in 2011, has been teaching children as young as four at the Muslim Community Center (MCC) of Staten Island since January 2025. Mehanna was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for conspiring to provide material support to al-Qaeda, plotting attacks on U.S. shopping malls and military personnel, and lying to the FBI about his activities and intentions.
The FBI’s Boston field office described Mehanna as someone who “conspired to support terrorists, deceived the government and lied to his fellow citizens.” His conviction came after prosecutors demonstrated his attempts to join terrorist training camps in Yemen and his translations of pro-jihadist materials designed to inspire others to engage in violent jihad against American forces. Despite this troubling background, Mehanna has been entrusted with teaching Arabic and Quran classes to young, impressionable children.
Connection to NYC Mayor’s Office Raises Eyebrows
The controversy intensifies with the revelation that the MCC was founded by Mohamed Bahi, a former senior advisor to New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Bahi proudly announced Mehanna’s teaching position on Facebook, a post that was later deleted following media scrutiny. The four-day-a-week program placed a convicted terrorism supporter in direct contact with children, a decision that has sparked outrage among watchdog groups and community leaders.
Former New York Assemblyman Dov Hikind has been vocal in his criticism, pointing to Mehanna’s writings that compared the U.S. government to an “AIDS virus” and endorsed antisemitic conspiracies. “This is a man who remains committed to radical ideologies that pose a threat to our communities,” Hikind stated. “Placing him in a position of influence over children is not just irresponsible—it’s dangerous.”
Unrepentant Extremism Raises Red Flags
According to the Middle East Forum, Mehanna was placed in a special prison unit specifically designed to prevent the radicalization of other inmates. This classification underscores the continuing concern about his potential influence and extremist views. Critics argue that his post-prison activities and writings demonstrate an unrepentant adherence to the same radical ideologies that led to his conviction.
“The fact that Mehanna was teaching children the Quran four days a week at this mosque is deeply troubling,” said Sam Westrop, director of the Middle East Forum’s Islamist Watch. “His history of supporting violent jihad and his continued extremist rhetoric make him wholly unsuitable for any role involving the education of children.”
Defenders Claim Political Persecution
Some supporters of Mehanna, however, maintain that his prosecution was politically motivated and an overreach of government power. They emphasize that he never directly engaged in violence and argue that his case centered around First Amendment-protected activities such as translation work and expressions of political opinion, however reprehensible those opinions might be to most Americans.
“Tarek Mehanna’s case represents the government’s post-9/11 tendency to criminalize speech and religious expression that it finds threatening,” wrote Andy Worthington, a journalist who has covered Guantanamo Bay and terrorism cases. “His 17-year sentence was handed down despite the fact that he had harmed no one.”
Public Safety vs. Rehabilitation
The Mehanna case highlights the ongoing tension between the rehabilitation of convicted felons and legitimate public safety concerns. While American values include the possibility of redemption after serving a sentence, the nature of terrorism-related convictions and the vulnerability of children create a particularly sensitive context. The decision to place Mehanna in a teaching position raises questions about the mosque’s vetting procedures and risk assessment protocols.
The controversy also points to a broader issue of oversight for religious institutions that operate educational programs. Unlike public schools, which require background checks and professional certifications for teachers, religious educational settings often operate with greater autonomy and less scrutiny. This regulatory gap can create opportunities for individuals with concerning backgrounds to gain access to children.
Mayor Adams has not publicly commented on the matter, despite his former advisor’s direct involvement. The silence from city leadership has only intensified concerns about whether appropriate safeguards are in place to protect New York’s children from potential radicalization.
Copyright 2025, DailyChive.com
