CAIR-Cleveland & Northern Ohio

Author: cairclev

  • CAIR-Ohio Files Title VI Complaint Against Case Western Reserve University on Behalf of Palestinian Students 

    CAIR-Ohio Files Title VI Complaint Against Case Western Reserve University on Behalf of Palestinian Students 

    (CLEVELAND, OH, 7/22/24) – The Cleveland & Northern Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) filed a Title VI Complaint against Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) today following months of alleged targeting and intimidation against students involved in Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP).

    SEE: Title VI Complaint Against Case Western Reserve University

    The complaint alleges discrimination against Palestinian students, and students perceived to be Palestinian or affiliated with Palestinians, as well as Arab and Muslim students. According to the complaint, CWRU has engaged in a pattern of different treatment when it comes to Palestinian students, as well as their affiliates and allies.

    In a statement, CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & North Executive Director Faten Husni Odeh said:

    “This comes after many failed attempts to meet with President Kaler about the unfair treatment and targeting of the university’s Palestinian students and allies. Instead of fostering an inclusive and welcoming learning environment, the leadership of Case Western Reserve University created an openly hostile atmosphere for students standing up against brutality and genocide. Had the administration been more interested in its students rather than an oppressive and violent foreign regime, we could’ve avoided this action.”

    The attorney who represents the students, Maryam Assar, stated:

    “It is beyond troubling what CWRU has done here. After refusing to engage with these students, and smearing them in widespread campus emails, not only has CWRU failed to account for their safety, well-being, and learning environment, but it has in fact deliberately acted against them. CWRU has consistently and repeatedly intimidated, silenced, and punished these students, solely because they are Palestinian or affiliated with Palestinians, and speak to what they believe is justice.”

    In 2022, the Undergraduate Student Government voted in favor of a resolution which encouraged the university to investigate how its funds are invested in Israeli companies, the Case Western Reserve Observer reported. Since the fall of 2023, students have reported to CAIR-Ohio increased push-back and hostilities from the university including banning them from campus, prohibiting them from attending their own graduations and withholding some law degrees.

    Law student and Legal Assistant, Shatha Shahin, stated:

    “The “Palestine Problem” has been falsely reduced to a problem of dialogue, but CWRU does not want dialogue with these students; it only wants their capitulation to one viewpoint favored by their donors. Make no mistake that this environment of hostility, and intimidation towards Palestinian students and their allies along with the gross misuse of the student conduct policy will forever be a black mark on CWRU’s history. Only when Palestine is freed from occupation, and it will be, will the university recognize the waste of time and money to protect a minor percentage of its endowment.”

    CAIR-Ohio and Palestine Legal have been working with the students to navigate this injustice.

    CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. CAIR-Ohio has offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.

    La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

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    CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & North Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-440-2247; Attorney Maryam Assar, maryam.assar10@gmail.com, 216-501-2415

  • CAIR-Ohio Sponsors Historic Event at One of America’s Oldest Free Speech Forum

    (Cleveland, OH, 6/28/24) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations is proud to recognize the City Club of Cleveland’s recent forum, “Voices of Cleveland’s Palestinian Community,” which brought together key leaders to discuss the impact of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the broader challenges faced by the Palestinian community in Cleveland.
    The forum, held on June 25, 2024, provided a platform for significant dialogue around the plight of Palestinians both locally and abroad. Speakers included Omar Kurdi, President of Arab Americans of Cleveland – Young Professionals Network, and Shereen Naser, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology at Cleveland State University. The event was moderated by Nadeen Abusada, a reporter for News 5 Cleveland.
    Omar Kurdi stated, “As President of Arab Americans of Cleveland- Young Professionals Network, we are incredibly proud to have sponsored The City Club of Cleveland’s Panel featuring local Palestinian Voices. This historic event during this difficult time for Arab Americans marks the first time Palestinian and Arab Americans with Palestinian heritage have been invited to speak on Palestine in the club since the events of October 7th. Having this platform is crucial for fostering understanding and dialogue, and we deeply appreciate the opportunity. In a time when Arab Americans face hate and discrimination, receiving this recognition allows for a safer path forward towards equity and inclusivity in Cleveland and the nation. We eagerly anticipate future collaborations with The City Club of Cleveland.”
    The forum highlighted the pressing issues faced by the Palestinian community, including the loss of over 36,000 lives in Gaza since October 7th, 2023. It also addressed the documented increase in anti-Arab, anti-Palestinian, and anti-Muslim hate incidents in the United States.
    CAIR-Ohio Cleveland & Northern Ohio Executive Directors, Faten Odeh stated, “I am incredibly proud of the honesty and bravery of the panelists and moderator who participated in this historic event. My hope is that their courage to share their perspectives about Palestine encourages others to do the same. Decades of suppressing our feelings and perspectives on the occupation of Palestine for fear of retaliation has not helped the cause. It is time to break that silence.”
    CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. CAIR-Ohio has offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.
    La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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  • CAIR-Ohio Applauds Youngstown City Council for Passage of Gaza Ceasefire Resolution

    (YOUNGSTOWN, OH, 6/26/24) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) today applauded the Youngstown City Council for its recent passage of a ceasefire resolution regarding the genocide in Gaza.
    This important measure, approved on Friday, June 21 by a narrow 4-3 vote, demonstrates the council’s commitment to promoting peace and supporting humanitarian efforts.
    The resolution calls for an immediate ceasefire and the initiation of humanitarian aid to those affected by the ongoing war in Gaza. This decision reflects the city’s dedication to human rights and the protection of civilian lives in conflict zones.
    CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh stated:
    “Congratulations to the City of Youngstown for passing a ceasefire resolution and to the advocates who were steadfast in their advocacy for weeks! Youngstown joins the scores of cities nationwide who have spoken up against the atrocities that have been done and continue to be done to the people of Gaza by the entity of Israel. We must not stay silent, and we must keep going until every institution and individual know what is being done with our U.S. tax dollars and take a stance against it.”
    Dr. Suhad Hadi, president of the Arab American Community Center near Youngstown stated:
    “This is a win for Gaza and all of those suffering under the hand of occupation. Passing this resolution is not just a win for the Palestinian and Arab communities but also for the city. In taking this step, we begin to break the cycle of social and radical divide within our communities and move toward strengthening the building blocks of empathy, understanding and humanity. We are thankful for all the support members of the community have shown, the guidance from all those who before us passed resolutions in their cities and the Council members who supported us and stood by us.”
     
    CAIR-Ohio remains dedicated to promoting justice and mutual understanding and will continue to support initiatives that align with these values. The passage of this resolution is a significant step towards fostering peace and addressing humanitarian crises.
    CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. CAIR-Ohio has offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.

    La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
    Become a Fan of the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Facebook
    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s Twitter Feed
    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s YouTube Channel
    Follow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagram
    Donate to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio
    END
     
    CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247

  • CAIR-Ohio Runs in the Cleveland Marathon

    (CLEVELAND, OH, 5/19/24) – The Cleveland Marathon, held on May 18 and 19, 2024, brought together runners from around the world. CAIR-Ohio participated in the Cleveland Marathon and Co-sponsored the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund’s (PCRF) Team Palestine. Notably, Team Palestine was as one of the largest groups participating in the event, underscoring their strong commitment to the cause.
    This year’s marathon saw an impressive turnout, with runners of all ages and backgrounds traveling from all over the United States to participate. The event highlighted the collaborative efforts of several organizations, including Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and the Cleveland Palestinian Advocacy Community (CPAC), who joined forces to support PCRF’s mission.
    CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh stated, “It was an honor for CAIR-Ohio to co-sponsor Team Palestine this year. It’s been difficult witnessing in real-time from our phones the devastating atrocities being committed to the Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Crossing the finish line hand in hand with members across the interfaith community including Jewish Voice for Peace and the Cleveland Palestine Advocacy Community who I have become so close to these last few months sparked the glimmer of hope in my heart that I’ve yearned for every day. We’ve wept together, shared meals together, prayed together and now we’ve run together for a good cause.”
    The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the medical and humanitarian needs of Palestinian children in the Middle East. Since its inception in 1991, PCRF has provided thousands of children with life-saving surgeries, medical care, and support, regardless of their nationality, politics, or religion.
    For more information about the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and how to support their mission, please visit www.pcrf.net or contact info@pcrf.net.
    CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. CAIR-Ohio has offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.
    La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
    Become a Fan of the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Facebook
    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s Twitter Feed
    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s YouTube Channel
    Follow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagram
    Donate to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio
    CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247
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  • CAIR-Ohio Condemns Distribution of Racist, White Supremacist Propaganda

    (CLEVELAND, OH, 5/16/24) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned distribution of racist, white supremacist propaganda in that state.

    Resident of the predominantly Black Hough community in Cleveland found flyers with images of the Ku Klux Klan hate group and racist messages left at their homes. Similar hate messages were distributed in Akron, Ohio.

    In a statement, CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh said:

    “We condemn this attempt to spread racist hate and to intimidate minority communities. People of all faiths and backgrounds must join together to reject bigotry in all its twisted forms.”

    She added that CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.

    CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. CAIR-Ohio has offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.

    La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

    Become a Fan of the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/CAIRCleveland

    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s Twitter Feed

    https://twitter.com/CAIRCleveland

    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s YouTube Channel

    https://www.youtube.com/@caircleveland

    Follow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagram

    https://www.instagram.com/cairohiocleveland/

    Donate to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio

    https://caircleveland.com/donate/

     

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    CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247

  • CAIR-Ohio Condemns Case Western Reserve University’s Decision to Bar Students Involved in Palestine Advocacy from Commencement  

    (CLEVELAND, OH, 5/14/24) – Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) sent an email to more than 40 students and staff involved in Palestine advocacy notifying them that their involvement in the anti-genocide encampment was being investigated and they are interim Persona Non-Grata from the university which includes attending their commencement ceremony. Two law students’ degrees are being withheld pending the investigation as commencement approaches this week.

    The email from the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards:

    In 2022, the Undergraduate Student Government voted in favor of a resolution which encouraged the university to investigate how its funds are invested in Israeli companies, the Case Western Reserve Observer reported. Students have reported to CAIR-Ohio push-back and hostilities from the university.

    This recent alleged retaliation comes after a series of reported incidents from CWRU students. Students involved in Students for Justice in Palestine (CWRU-SJP) have reported to CAIR-Ohio of alleged targeting from the administration for their Palestine advocacy resulting in the suspension of the student organization. Fines have been issued on some of the students.

    CAIR-Ohio and Palestine Legal have been working with the students to navigate this injustice.

    CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh stated:

    “Instead of commending these students for a job well-done for standing against the inhumanity of the genocide and starvation of innocent civilians in Gaza, the Case Western administration has decided to punish these students and rob them of their earned once in a lifetime opportunity to accept their degrees on stage. This is an utter shame and disgrace to the university and education.”

    CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. CAIR-Ohio has offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.

    La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

    END

    CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-440-2247

  • CAIR-Ohio Supports Case Western Reserve University Students as they Join the Global Movement to Divest from Israel

    (CLEVELAND, OH, 4/29/24) – Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) joins hundreds of universities across the country in the encampment movement aimed at divestment from Israel in response to the atrocities on the people of Gaza over the past seven months.

    The encampment began early this morning as hundreds of students gathered to take a stance against the CWRU’s investment in Israel as the total of murdered civilians has risen to nearly 40,000 with 14,000 being children. Of the survived children, 19,000 have been made orphans and there are still bodies unaccounted for as many are missing or under the ruble. Children of Gaza

    In 2022, the Undergraduate Student Government voted in favor of a resolution which encouraged the university to investigate how its funds are invested in Israeli companies, the Case Western Reserve Observer reported. Students have reported to CAIR-Ohio alleged push-back and hostilities from the university.

    Most recently, students involved in Students for Justice in Palestine (CWRU-SJP) have reported to CAIR-Ohio of alleged targeting from the administration for their Palestine advocacy resulting in the suspension of the student organization. Fines have been issued on some of the students. CAIR-Ohio and Palestine Legal have been working with the students to navigate this injustice.

    CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh stated:

    “CAIR-Ohio stands firmly with the students at Case Western Reserve University right to freedom of speech and expression. It is commendable for these young people to take a stand against their university’s support for the ongoing genocide committed by Israel on the people of Gaza. The students have tried diplomatic avenues and have been shut down by their administration on multiple levels. It is time that the administration at Case Western Reserve University adhere to what the students have been demanding for years and that is to immediately divest from a foreign entity that has been arguably committing the worst crimes this earth has ever witnessed. As a community, we must unequivocally support these students and the noble cause in which they have put everything on the line for.”

    CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. CAIR-Ohio has offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.

    La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

    Become a Fan of the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/CAIRCleveland

    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s Twitter Feed

    https://twitter.com/CAIRCleveland

    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s YouTube Channel

    https://www.youtube.com/@caircleveland

    Follow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagram

    https://www.instagram.com/cairohiocleveland/

    Donate to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio

    https://caircleveland.com/donate/

     

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    CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-440-2247.

  • New CAIR Civil Rights Report Reveals Highest Number of Complaints in Group’s 30-Year History  

    New CAIR Civil Rights Report Reveals Highest Number of Complaints in Group’s 30-Year History  

     

    ‘Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate’ documents 8,061 total complaints received nationwide in 2023, showing even higher spike than after Trump’s Muslim Ban  

    (WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/2/2024) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today released its 2023 civil rights report, which reveals the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year-history, at a news conference at its Capitol Hill headquarters in Washington, D.C.    

    Titled “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the report documents 8,061 complaints. Nearly half of all complaints received in 2023 were reported in the final three months of the year.   

    The report notes that the 2023 wave of anti-Muslim incidents was a 56 percent jump over the previous year and surpassed even the period following the implementation of President Trump’s Muslim Ban, which saw a 32 percent jump over the previous year.     

    SEE: 2024 Civil Rights Report: Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate   

    Immigration and asylum cases comprised 20% of total complaints received in 2023. Employment discrimination (15%), education discrimination (8.5%), and hate crimes and incidents (7.5%) are among the highest reported categories.    

    “The data confirms what we have known for months. Since October 2023, a number of American politicians have blatantly promoted anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian rhetoric in a bid to justify the Israeli government’s genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza,” said CAIR Research & Advocacy Director Corey Saylor, “We are seeing the consequences of this reckless and racist targeting reflected in the data as one of the worst years of anti-Muslim hate recorded in CAIR’s 30-year history.”   

    In its previous 2023 Civil Rights report, CAIR marked a first-ever decline in complaints reported to its offices. The report’s findings were considered an indication of progress toward mitigating the impact of Islamophobia in the US.   

    SEE: 2023 Civil Rights Report: Progress in the Shadow of Prejudice   

    In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:    

    “The massive and unprecedented rise in complaints documented in CAIR’s civil rights data is almost certainly a result of the widespread use of anti-Muslim rhetoric and anti-Palestinian racism to justify the genocide in Gaza and silence American who have spoken out against it over the past several months.” 

    “We do not expect an end to the hateful attacks on our communities here until we see an end to the genocide in Gaza. We call on government agencies, companies and local communities to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire, reject hateful discrimination against American Muslims and others who speak up against the genocide, and take other steps recommended in our report so that our nation can make lasting progress in the fight to advance justice for all.” 

    The report also details dozens of anti-Muslim incidents that occurred in the United States in 2023.   

    In December, a teacher threatened to beat and behead a seventh-grade Muslim student in Warner Robins, Georgia. After the student asked about the teacher’s Israeli flag, the teacher was overheard, in part, threatening to “slit [the student’s] god***n throat” and “cut her head off” by several students and witnesses.    

    SEE: CAIR Georgia Welcomes Arrest and Suspension of Teacher Who Allegedly Threatened to Behead Muslim Student Over Israeli Flag Dispute   

    In 2023, CAIR also filed a number of lawsuits on behalf of incarcerees and detainees, including an incarcerated Muslim woman in Minnesota who was reportedly photographed without her hijab and forced to carry that photo on her ID card.   

    The report also documents continued efforts to challenge the federal government’s watchlist in 2023, including a lawsuit with a dozen plaintiffs seeking an end to the government’s secret watchlist that almost exclusively targets Muslims for harassment and humiliation when they travel.   

    SEE: CAIR Announces Lawsuit in D.C., Mass., N.J., Mich. Seeking End to Secret Government Watchlist   

    SEE: Twenty Years Too Many: A Call to Unwind the FBI’s Secret Watchlist    

    CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.                        

    La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos. 

    Become a Fan of the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/CAIRCleveland

    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s Twitter Feed

    https://twitter.com/CAIRCleveland

    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s YouTube Channel

    https://www.youtube.com/@caircleveland

    Follow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagram

    https://www.instagram.com/cairohiocleveland/

    Donate to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio

    https://caircleveland.com/donate/

     

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  • 650+ Turn Out for CAIR-Cleveland 15th Annual Iftar and Benefit

    650+ Turn Out for CAIR-Cleveland 15th Annual Iftar and Benefit

    (CLEVELAND, OH, 3/28/24) – The Cleveland and Northern Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) celebrated its 15th Annual Iftar and Benefit on Sunday, marking another year of community solidarity, advocacy, and philanthropy.

    The event, held at La Centre Conference and Banquet Hall, witnessed a remarkable turnout with more than 650 attendees, highlighting the continued support and engagement of the community.

    Linda Sarsour, a renowned activist and co-founder of the Women’s March, was the keynote speaker. Sarsour is recognized globally for her tireless efforts in advocating for social justice, women’s rights, and civil liberties. Watch Clip Here

    CAIR National Board Member Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, serving as the inspirational speaker, delivered a profound message of hope and resilience.

    CAIR also welcomed a diverse representation of interfaith guests and local dignitaries.

    Recipients of the I-CAIR Awards included, Dr. Yasser Armanazi (I-CAIR Service), Dr. Ahmad Banna and Isam Zaiem (I-CAIR Above & Beyond), Basma Hamid and Dr. Ahmad Jadallah (I-CAIR Social Justice), Adnan Reddy (I-CAIR Volunteer-of-the-Year). Dr. Banna and Isam Zaiem both received proclamations from the City of Cleveland for their decades of service to the community.

    CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh said:

    “Fostering unity and solidarity among our diverse communities is at the heart of CAIR’s mission. Our iftar exemplified the power of collective action and interfaith collaboration in advancing social justice and equality for all. This year’s theme was From Faith to Justice: A Journey of Hope, we felt that this was truly fitting for the time we are in now. We are immensely grateful to everyone who joined us and made everything possible.” 

    CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. CAIR-Ohio has offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.

    La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

    Become a Fan of the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/CAIRCleveland

    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s Twitter Feed

    https://twitter.com/CAIRCleveland

    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s YouTube Channel

    https://www.youtube.com/@caircleveland

    Follow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagram

    https://www.instagram.com/cairohiocleveland/

    Donate to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio

    https://caircleveland.com/donate/

     

    – END –

     

    CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247

  • CAIR-Cleveland Welcomes City Council’s Passage of Gaza Ceasefire Resolution after 17 Weeks of Advocacy

    CAIR-Cleveland Welcomes City Council’s Passage of Gaza Ceasefire Resolution after 17 Weeks of Advocacy

    (CLEVELAND, OHIO, 3/25/24) The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OH) today welcomed the Cleveland City Council’s passage of a resolution calling for immediate ceasefire in Gaza following 17 consecutive weeks of advocacy by community activists.

    Tonight, the Cleveland City Council passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution passed with 16 “yes” votes and one absent. The resolution was promoted for 17 weeks by a coalition of community activists, including Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), Fifth Christian Church, Party for Socialism and Liberation, Young Latinos Network, Palestinian Youth Movement, U.S. Palestinian Community Network, Palestinian Existence for Peace Society, OPAWL, Democratic Socialists of America, and the Interreligious Task Force on South America (IRTF).

    In a statement, CAIR Cleveland Executive Director Faten Odeh said:

    “Tonight is a historical moment and a testament to the people of Cleveland’s will and determination to speak out against injustice and inhumanity. It’s been 17 weeks and throughout those 17 weeks we made bonds of sisterhood and brotherhood across societal boundaries to stand up for humanity. This is proof that your voice does make a difference. The fight against injustice doesn’t reap rewards overnight. It takes true grit and dedication.”

    CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. CAIR-Ohio has offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.

    La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

    Become a Fan of the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/CAIRCleveland

    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s Twitter Feed

    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s YouTube Channel

    https://www.youtube.com/@caircleveland

    Follow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagram

    https://www.instagram.com/cairohiocleveland/

    Donate to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio

    END

    CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247