DayofPal– Florida State Senator Randy Fine is under intense criticism following a series of inflammatory social media posts targeting Muslims and Palestinians, including elected U.S. officials.
The posts, described by many as hate speech, have sparked outrage and accusations of incitement during a time of humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
The controversy erupted after Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American and Muslim, condemned Israel’s ongoing siege on Gaza.
In a statement posted to social media, Tlaib wrote: “The government of Israel is starving Gaza to death. It’s a war crime to use starvation as a weapon. The only way to end this genocide is with an arms embargo. Time for my colleagues to end their silence.
In response, Sen. Fine, a Republican representing parts of Brevard County, posted a string of derogatory and incendiary comments.
“Tell your fellow Muslim terrorists to release the hostages and surrender. Until then, #StarveAway,” he wrote in one post, adding that “Hey Muslim terrorists, cry harder. #StarveAway,” followed another.
“I love blocking Muslim terrorists. They clearly aren’t too hungry. #KeepOnStarving,” he added later.
The comments have drawn bipartisan condemnation and widespread public outrage. Critics argue that Fine’s rhetoric amounts to incitement and Islamophobia, accusing him of using provocative language to drive online engagement, a tactic often referred to as “engagement farming.”
“This isn’t just hate speech, it’s a deliberate effort to provoke and dehumanize,” said a spokesperson for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
“Such behavior is unfit for any public official, let alone one who helps shape state policy.”
Fine has previously targeted Muslim members of Congress, including Reps. Tlaib and Ilhan Omar (D-MN).
In an earlier post, he warned: “The Hebrew Hammer is coming. [Tlaib] and [Omar] might consider leaving before I get there.” The message ended with the hashtag #BombsAway.
Fine has also referred to President Joe Biden as “Jihad Joe” after the appointment of Palestinian-American Maher Bitar to a national security position, accusing the president of placing “Muslim terrorists” in the White House.
In 2024, Fine celebrated the killing of a Turkish-American activist by Israeli forces in the West Bank, writing, “Throw rocks, get shot. One less Muslim terrorist. Fire Away.”
The backlash against Fine’s recent posts comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensifies. For over two months, Israel has imposed a total blockade, cutting off food, water, medicine, and fuel. Aid groups report at least 57 starvation-related deaths, most of them children.
Since the war began 18 months ago, over 53,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities, the majority of whom are women and children.
While Israel maintains that the blockade is intended to pressure Hamas into releasing captives, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated that military objectives outweigh the lives of the Israeli captives.
Palestinian resistance have accused Israel of bombing locations where prisoners may be held, suggesting an effort to prevent future negotiations.
Senator Fine has not issued an apology or retraction for his comments. Calls for censure or disciplinary action are mounting as civil rights groups and fellow lawmakers demand accountability.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=62655
