Update: See Video of the Altercation That Led to Amusement Park’s Muslim Melee
- Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:25pm by
Madeleine Morgenstern
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Video footage is now available of the incident that allegedly sparked Tuesday’s massive fight at a New York amusement park, which apparently started after Muslim women were told they would not be permitted to wear their hijabs on rides because of safety concerns.
According to the New York Times, members of the Muslim American Society of New York — which sponsored the Playland Amusement Park outing to celebrate the end of Ramadan — began fighting among themselves after being told those wearing headscarves couldn’t ride certain rides. There was pushing and shoving, which caused park rangers to intervene, including two who were injured.
Local TV station Fox New York obtained the dramatic home footage, which appears to show a group of police arresting a Muslim woman. According to witnesses, that incident prompted the larger, angry disturbance that resulted in 15 visitor arrests.
The New York Daily News spoke to Dena Meawad,18, who witnessed the woman’s arrest:
“The cops started getting loud with her and she started getting loud, too. They pushed her on the ground and arrested her,” Meawad said.
Her cousin, Kareem Meawad, 17, went to try to protect the woman and was beaten by cops and also arrested, she added. Her brother, Issam Meawad, 20, was pushed to the ground and taken into custody when he tried to help his cousin, she said.
“She just wanted to get on a ride. That was it,” Dena Meawad said of the initial confrontation. “It’s clear, this all happened because we’re Muslim.”
The New York Times spoke to Ola Salem, 17, who said she asked if she could join her 8-year-old sister on a ride:
“They said no because my of my ‘headgear,’ “ Ms. Salem said. “I said, ‘It’s not my headgear, it’s my religion.’ “
Ms. Salem said she asked to speak with a supervisor and was presented with a list of rides that would require her to remove her scarf. More than a dozen of the park’s rides, she said, were on the list.
Fox reported that the Westchester County Executive’s Office said it was a “misunderstanding” that led to the disturbance, and that the Muslim American Society had been told the policy well in advance:
“The incident erupted when some of the women tried to gain entry on rides that prohibit any kind of headwear, such as hats, scarves and flowing material, which would include hijabs,” according to a statement from the executive’s office. “The tour operator, the Muslim American Society of New York, had been notified well in advance of today’s event-numerous times both in writing and verbally-the county’s policy on headgear for certain rides at the amusement park.”
The patrons were offered refunds, the statement said, but then some men and women started arguing with each other, the statement said, “to the point that park security had to intervene. In the course of restoring calm, two park rangers suffered injuries and had to be taken to a nearby hospital.”
Sharif Aly, vice president of the Muslim American Society of New York, told the Times his organization plans to investigate what happened before drawing any conclusions.
But Zead Ramadan, president of the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ New York chapter, had some stronger words.
“In this heightened state of Islamaphobia, a woman wearing a hajib is an easy target these days,” Ramadan told the New York Daily News. “Unfortunately, this turned ugly due to a lot of miscommunication.”
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Comments (207)
JJBlazeReader
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:52pm..
The more I read about this incident the more I believe this was a set up by the Muslim American Society of NY.
The park clearly told them in writing and verbally about the amusement park’s rules on head gear.
Now the Muslim American Society is going to “investigate” while CAIR is beating the drum that it because she was a Muslim. Deliberate provocation by Muslims to cry Islamaphobia.
This is why both organizations, MAS of NY and CAIR have no credibility instead it is obvious that they had an agenda – they fool no one. Their actions resulted in re-enforcing negative opinions of Muslims.
Report Post »smokie
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 2:03pmI’m sorry to say, I’m suspect of the situation, too. It seemed as if they were spoiling for a fight. As usual.
Report Post »I keep up on amusement park ride accidents, and girls and woman have been seriously hurt on go-karts due to long hair and scarves. A man in the UK just lost his sight to a loose flying object, a roller coaster ground to a sudden stop due to a baseball hat.
If they must ride with their scarves, then they all must ride together, and other patron can elect not to ride with them. You can be rest assured that if any accidents incurred due to the headgear, they will passle up lawyers even before they were air lifted out of the park.
DagneyT
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 6:17pmi concur. i stated the same thing. They are preparing for the 9/11 commemorative.
Report Post »DOCMMV
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:51pmI have long held (and taught) that Islam is the weakest of all religions. Being “religious” means you voluntarily forgo some things. I don’t drink liquor – Why? Against my religion. I don’t have sex outside marriage – Why? Against my religion. I don’t use foul language – Why? Against my religion. Yet Islamists won’t stand up for their religion within their own actions. A truly religious person, when forced to choose between a carnival ride and their religious clothing would have been glad to say no to the ride and smiled having done so.
Report Post »No folks, the red horse (see War of the Horses) is not about good, strong religious people but rather about war and terror. So be it Islam.
AB5r
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 2:05pmNONE of the actions of ANY Muslim count for anything in the sense you describe. In other words, if a Christian woman dresses modestly out of her freedom and choice, that is good and pleasing to God, but if a Muslim woman wears a covering of some sort BECAUSE HER RELIGION FORCES HER TO DO THAT, BECAUSE SHE HAS NO CHOICE, BECAUSE SHE WOULD BE KILLED IF SHE DID NOT, that is putrid stench to God because it shows nothing, zero, of the heart of the person doing it. Islam is all about forced actions. The same person who jumps through all the hoops of being a perfect Muslim can have a heart filled with bitter hate. There is no way to know what is in their heart because they only do what they are forced to do. If all Muslims worldwide were given true freedom to choose, and they could leave Islam without being killed, there wouldn’t be many Muslims, the entire religion would disappear in a few generations.
Report Post »vennoye
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 2:09pmIf you look at what the Egyptian Cleric has to say:
Report Post »“And because tourists “drink alcohol and fornicate,” all of the sites that have made Egypt a popular destination for foreign vacationers. will be shut down. Art, dancing, singing and other exercises of talent and self-expression will also be prohibited.”
It doesn’t look like these people should have been at an amusement park to begin with!! An amusement part really does not conform to their religion!!
vennoye
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 2:14pmSorry, amusement park does not……
Report Post »joe1234
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:49pmthe park will soon allow a Mosque on their grounds with a minaret that TOWERS OVER the rest of the park…and they will broadcaset the adhān…the muzzein will be the new president of the park…anything else is racist and islamophobia!!!
Report Post »WhatsYerProblem
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:47pm“members of the Muslim American Society of New York — which sponsored the Playland Amusement Park outing to celebrate the end of Ramadan — began fighting among themselves”
Wait…What? Muslims told these gals to take their headscarves off? And the gals were fighting with other Muslims? And the cops came to restore order? And two park rangers were injured in the process? Am I missing something?
“It’s clear, this all happened because we’re Muslim.”
Right. (rolls eyes)
Report Post »smokie
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 2:10pmWell, yeh, it did happen because they were Muslim. Their own Muslim beliefs precipitated the fight among themselves. They were hardheaded and illogical.
Report Post »I don’t see many Amish ladies at my local amusement park, insisting that horses draw the flat rides around in a circle.
RavenGlenn
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 4:16pmMost likely the women were told they had to remove the hijabs to get on the ride. They were about to comply when the men threw a hissy fit over it
Most likely that’s what the fighting between their own was.
Report Post »islandlady
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:47pmCommon Sense says no scarf or tie or even glasses on some rides. If they insist, have them sign a
Report Post »release of responsibility to the owners and let them ride and let them be responsible for the outcome.
smokie
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 2:53pmOr… they can open their own little park, and have all the hatted riding they desire. They can have little baskets under the cars for all the future Isadora Duncans and Jayne Manfields.
Report Post »melissa3080
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:47pmLOL @Bassist237. I can’t believe this provoked fighting. What babies, so what you don’t get to ride on the kiddie roolercoaster. Rules are rules especially when it comes to the safety of others.
Report Post »joe1234
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:46pmthe police are OBVIOUSLY RAAAACIST…they should follow the lead of our IMAM-IN-CHIEF…and BOW DOWN….submit.
Report Post »PER100
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:58pmIs the first lady really a man in drag? look at the walk, stand, and mustache. It looks like Michelle is eligable to be on Dancing With the Stars.
Report Post »LS1XJ
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:46pmi love how this turned into religious persecution. i hope the park makes public the written communication explaining to the group in advance of the safety policies.
Report Post »SavingtheRepublic.com
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:46pm~^~v~~^~~v~^~
Ya know I was just wondering that too. How much did they get paid to show up and do this. Go to any amusement park they make it clear to take off anything that could get caught up in the machinery or become a projectile and harm yourself or others. They as usual want to make this an issue of mooslum persecution.
I say call them racists! Enough of this with this invas… infestation of radical islam. No I dont care if these are nice people the mooslum community NEVER speaks out against the radicals(Ive spoken on this many times here) within their own ranks when something bad happens. So as far a I am concerned the are all bad at this point when they change their tune maybe Ill change mine. Anyone involved with the even those who organized this should be arrested, this was a direct attempt to instigate an altercation… its what they do all the time. Wake up America before radical islam gets a foothold in daily life here as it has done in other nations. Look at Europe they have turned it inside out!! Stop playing their game start playing their game http://SavingtheRepublic.com
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:46pm@bassist:
Report Post »I don’t want her “religion” flying off and hitting me in the face either…nor do I want her head flying off her body and hitting me in the face because her “religion” got caught on a wheel or in a track.
It IS a safety issue. Period.
I don‘t think they’d let The Mummy on the rides either…but he’d probably claim it was anti-islam too.
It’s not America anymore, especially since January 2009.
calyptratus
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:43pmNext thing you know they will insist that the Statue of Liberty be made to wear the Hijab
Report Post »Tickdog
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:49pmNo kidding! and it will happen too…
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:52pmYeah, but they‘ll claim she’s not a virgin and they’ll remove her head.
Report Post »rienheart
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:43pmLet them wear their scarves and head gear, if they die because their head gets ripped off on the ride or kill other people because of it, then too bad for them. Less Muslems = safer America. They are doing the same thing here , they did in Europe. There will be places you will not be able to go because it will be ruled by Sharia Law and you will be a Target. WAKE UP!! Muslims are Here to Take Control, just like they are doing in Europe.
Report Post »DagneyT
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:50pmSad & scary, but true!
Report Post »Yeah_Buddy
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:42pmI guess they never got their headgear caught in a camel before so they have no idea about, not just safety for them, but for others on the ride. idiots. its not about religion. please go home.
Report Post »sapper
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:42pmUm, it’s not your religion b!^ch it’s a safety issue. The rides on which your stupid halloween costume could get caught in the ride equipment and either kill you or harm someone around you were prohibited. It‘s not about you being muslim although behavior like this doesn’t help anyone like you freakin people any better.
For the idiot from CAIR, a phobia is a an irrational fear of something. I don’t fear you, I simply can’t stand you and despise you and your religion. I don‘t like muslims and I don’t like arabs but maybe I just have a bias after being in muslim arab countries and seeing what your culture and religion result in but the last thing I am is afraid of you. If you want to wear the damn costume good for you, don’t subject the rest of us to your effed up religion. Assimilate and become an American or go the hell back to your country ya damn ************.
Report Post »4smohrs
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:48pmHey Sapper, you are not alone! My fellow patriots here in Indiana feel the same way!
Report Post »momprayn
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:41pmObvious case of troublemaking that is common among them and going to get worse most probably. Check out Dearborn, MI. Do you know how many people could claim it’s their “religion” to do whate4ver they want that isn’t obeying the rules/laws? Ridiculous. She should be grateful she’s in a country that even has these rides at all (among other freedoms,etc.)– so ungrateful these people are. CAIR is a very dangerous, insidious group helping it along. They go into public schools under the guise of “multiculturism” – had a case in TX where they were invited to come and called a mandatory assembly of students with no notice to parents — and proceeded to indoctrinate about Islam. No joke. ACLJ took the case from outraged parents. Going on everywhere & of course not reported on MSM – or on Fox either I’ve noticed. Please pass the word & check out this site for good info & action: http://www.actforamerica.com
Report Post »DagneyT
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:47pmIf someone asked you which segment of the population approved of obama by 70%, you’d say “blacks”, but nope. It’s muslims.
Report Post »Gary Fishaholic
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:40pmCan‘t believe it not from the peace loving Muslim’s. What a joke.
Report Post »THX-1138
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:40pmIf she broke a rule in Iran she’d be dead now.
Idiots…
Report Post »Bealzobama
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:53pmcorrect.
Report Post »smokie
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 2:21pmBut in America, you have freedom of religion. Too bad some sects have that “for us, not you.” vibe to them.
Report Post »WILLIAM E.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:39pmI agree, If you cannot live by our rules go back where you came from & take all your friends !!
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:38pmThere are rules for ride safety that include removing hats and scarves.
Report Post »PER100
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:44pmRules dont apply to Muslims I guess. if it is not sharia or some book (koran) that was written by a self loathing homosexual. its amazing how tolorance is only one way.
Report Post »PER100
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:47pmIts a safety rule that was explained well in advance, but that does not matter to CAIR. they demand tolerance from us infidels
Report Post »DagneyT
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:38pmThis was planned. They knew ahead of time. This is all leading up to causing problems before the 9/11 commemoration, and the muslim-in-chief is playing into their hands by ENCOURAGING “downplaying” al qaeda’s involvement,,,,WHAT???????????????????????????????????
Report Post »Gary Fishaholic
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:43pmI have to agree. Good thinking It probably was.
Report Post »TH30PH1LUS
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:36pmMuslim Snookie @ 58 seconds lol
Report Post »bellereve
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 2:32pmhey, even snookie doesn’t deserve to be insulted like that!! ;)
Report Post »netmail
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:35pmShocker…if you disrespect and challenge a cop, you can get knocked down, towel on or off. Fools.
Report Post »getalong
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:35pmThis has nothing to do with her religion. It has to do with safety.
Report Post »bassist237
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:34pmI dont want your damn “religion” flying off your head and hitting me in the face. Follow the damn rules, or shut the hell up.
Report Post »FEMALL
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:32pmHmmm….I can’t remember the last Christian religious holiday that included a trip to the carnival.
O=US screwed
Report Post »TumbleBumble
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:54pmThe article says that they were celebrating the end of Ramadan. How bad can that holiday be for you to celebrate that it is over?
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