(Cleveland, OH – 3/4/26) – The Northern Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR- Northern Ohio), responded to Senator Theresa Gavarone’s comment during the Feb. 18th opponent testimony hearing against SB 87 ahead of the Senate vote on the IHRA definition on antisemitism bill. Opponents believe this bill will have a chilling effect of free speech and is unconstitutional.

The letter states,
“We are the Northern Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), and we are joined by the Ohio Divest Coalition in addressing the Judiciary Committee members’ comments in response to SB 87 opponent testimony on February 18, 2026. We will specifically address comments such as Senator Theresa Gavarone’s statement, in sum and substance, that “when you read the code section on ethnic intimidation and it says no person shall violate any of those sections…‘by reason of race, color, religion, or national origin of another person or group of persons.’ That’s-that’s current law. So, we already say you can’t do these things based on race…or religion. So, the bill just adds a definition. I’m not seeing your-the point that’s being made.”

The letter provides a detailed explanation of the point Senator Gavarone seemed to have missed from the droves of Ohioans opposing the bill.

“First, SN 87 proposes to add a malign definition, i.e., the “examples” crafted to illustrate antisemitism under the IHRA definition include questioning of the political decisions of the state of Israel. The objective of adding the IHRA definition to the Ohio Revised Code is to create a nearly impregnable bulwark forbidding criticism of Israel, the nation, as criticism of and thus “discrimination against” Judaism. This isn’t mere clarification of religious discrimination; it imbues the secular actions of Israel, such as mass murder, war crimes, and genocide, with the mantle of being excusable deeds. The fusion of secular deeds and Zionist religious dogma endangers Jewish people and critically undermines their protection from classic antisemitic discrimination.”

“SB 87’s proposed changes to Ohio Revised Code § 4112.20(A) further redefine “state agency” as “every organized body, office, board, authority, commission, or agency established by the constitution or laws of the state for the exercise of any governmental or quasi-governmental function, regardless of the funding source for that entity.” The proposed changes to O.R.C. § 4112.20(B) continue, providing that: “[i]n reviewing, investigating, or deciding whether there has been a violation of any relevant policy, law, or regulation prohibiting discriminatory acts, a state agency shall take into consideration the definition of antisemitism for purposes of determining whether an alleged act was motivated by discriminatory antisemitic intent.” Under the proposed language of SB 87, as state agencies within the meaning of O.R.C. § 4112.20(A), Ohio law enforcement agencies, as well as the individual officers trained by those agencies, will be instructed to consider the IHRA definition by O.R.C. § 4112.20(B).”

“SB 87 is an affront to the First Amendment of the United States Constitution in the interest of restricting speech about a foreign entity. As part of an interfaith coalition of Ohio residents, we urge you to vote no on Senate Bill 87.”

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL LETTER

More than 25 Ohioans from across the state testified against the bill in-person, in addition to more than 67 others submitting written testimony. A letter signed by more than 100 Jewish Ohioans opposing SB 87 was submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and more than 600 Ohioans signed the action alert urging Ohio Senators to vote no on the bill.

If passed, SB87 would expand the net of criminalization for speech using the IHRA definition of antisemitism that has been widely criticized as overbroad. Even Kenneth Stern, the principal drafter of the definition, has opposed its use by government agencies.

SB 87’s targeted addition of riot and aggravated riot as qualifying offenses for the ethnic intimidation statute would provide justification for calling law enforcement on a group of five or more people if someone disagrees or dislikes the content of their lawful speech or expression.

The Senate will take a vote on the bill today.

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, 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 YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@caircleveland
Follow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cairohiocleveland/

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CONTACTS:
CAIR-OH Executive Director, Northern Ohio, Faten Husni Odeh (216) 830-2247, fodeh@cair.com

(Columbus, OH – 2/19/26) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), CAIR Action, the ACLU of Ohio, the Ohio Divest Coalition, and a diverse coalition of partners testified against Ohio Senate Bill 87 (SB 87), legislation that would codify the controversial IHRA definition of antisemitism into state law on Wednesday, Feb. 19.

The coalition included lawyers, doctors, educators, veterans, and faith leaders from Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and other communities. Together, the coalition members advocated for free speech and human rights for people of all backgrounds. More than 25 Ohioans from across the state testified against the bill in-person, in addition to more than 67 others submitting written testimony. A letter signed by more than 100 Jewish Ohioans opposing SB 87 was submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and more than 400 Ohioans signed an action alert urging lawmakers to vote no.

If passed, SB87 would expand the net of criminalization for speech using the IHRA definition of antisemitism that has been widely criticized as overbroad. Even Kenneth Stern, the principal drafter of the definition, has opposed its use by government agencies.

SB 87’s targeted addition of riot and aggravated riot as qualifying offenses for the ethnic intimidation statute would provide justification for calling law enforcement on a group of five or more people if someone disagrees or dislikes the content of their lawful speech or expression.

At the hearing, many voiced concern about the risk this bill poses to free speech and the potential wasting of law enforcement time and resources it would cause.

CAIR Northern Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh, stated:

“If this definition becomes law, individual law enforcement officers and agencies, as well as public institutions, will be left to interpret what qualifies as antisemitic on the ground amid conflicting stories. What happens when those interpretations differ? What happens when personal stories like mine are viewed through a political lens? What happens when criticism of a foreign government is treated as evidence of bias?

“Vague standards combined with criminal consequences create real risk. They open the door to uneven enforcement. They create the possibility that Ohioans will be investigated or penalized based on how their speech is perceived rather than whether they committed unlawful conduct. Ohio is home to many who care deeply about human rights. Many are already scrutinized for their activism and beliefs. SB 87 would force people to censor not only political expression but also personal testimony about their own lived experiences to avoid potential legal trouble.”

17-year U.S. Army veteran Captain Josephine Guilbeau stated:

“For nearly two decades, I believed I was defending freedom — including conscience, speech, and religious liberty. If this bill passes, those freedoms are at risk at home. No law you pass can silence the faithful. No statute can erase the Word of God from our hearts. If defending the right to worship, teach, and live by conscience brings persecution or even the threat of death, I stand ready, as thousands of saints and Christians have before me. As the early Christians declared, ‘We must obey God rather than men’ (Acts 5:29). We will not be silenced. Christians, Jews, and Muslims stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity against the Zionist empire and the genocide in Gaza. For these reasons — as a veteran, a Catholic, and an American — I urge you to vote against Ohio Senate Bill 87 and defend the religious freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.”

CAIR Action Policy & Advocacy Coordinator, Hoda Elahinia, stated:

“As Americans, we are protected when we criticize our own government. We are protected when we protest federal policy. We are protected when we speak out against war, foreign aid, or international actors. So I ask you plainly: why would Ohio move toward punishing speech when that speech involves criticism of a foreign government?”

Retired professor and member of Jewish Voice for Peace, David Shutkin, stated:

“My opposition to Zionism is political and ethical, not antisemitic. Critiquing a state’s ideology or policies—including claims that Israel’s founding structure is racist and discriminatory—is not hatred of Jews. Conflating such criticism with antisemitism weakens the fight against genuine antisemitism: hate crimes, conspiracy theories, and Holocaust denial.”

Lakewood resident Emily Kichler stated:

“As a Jew, I don’t want you to write legislation about protecting Israel on my behalf. I don’t want to be associated with a place that’s done so much harm, and yet I am tethered to it through my heritage, to the point that it is my duty to come and speak during moments such as these to expose why these ties are holding everyone back. I want us to all let go of them.”

A similar bill, SB297, was stopped by organizers in 2024.

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, 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 YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@caircleveland
Follow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cairohiocleveland/
Follow CAIR Action Midwest on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cairactionmw/
Follow CAIR Action Midwest on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561986031598
CAIR Action Website: https://cairaction.org/

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CONTACTS:
CAIR-OH Executive Director, Northern Ohio, Faten Husni Odeh (216) 830-2247, fodeh@cair.com
CAIR Action Ohio Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, Hoda Elahinia (419) 318-9481, helahinia@cairaction.org

(CLEVELAND, OH – 2/3/26) – The CAIR-Northern Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed the Cleveland City Council’s passage of Tanisha’s Law by a unanimous vote. This law would establish a bureau to respond to mental health crisis with unarmed social workers and mental health professionals rather than police.

Tanisha’s Law is named after Tanisha Anderson who died more than 10 years ago while being restrained by Cleveland Police after law enforcement responded to a mental health crisis. She was 37 years old and left behind her family and children.

The original sponsors of the bill were former Council member Rebecca Maurer, Council member Charles Slife and it was spearheaded by Council member Stephanie Howse-Jones. The sponsors were joined by Case Western Reserve University’s law students and several other community organizations.

Council member Slife emphasized the importance of community advocacy in the success of Tanisha’s Law, ” For too long our society has treated mental health as a matter of public safety rather than of public health. Cleveland’s new Bureau of Community Crisis Response closes that chapter and positions us to help our neighbors when they have mental health needs. This forward momentum would not have been possible without engaged residents and community organizations, including CAIR.”

CAIR Northern Ohio, a member of the Cleveland Power Alliance, attended a community meeting on Jan. 5 with Mayor Justin Bibb and asked if the administration would include language interpretation services with this response to mental health crisis. His response was that the City of Cleveland would rely heavily on the community and grassroot organizations to assist in providing language services during mental health crisis responses.

Faten Husni Odeh, Executive Director of CAIR-Northern Ohio, shared “CAIR-Northern Ohio is pleased that Cleveland City Council has chosen compassion over punishment for those suffering from mental health. We know that mental health is on the rise and needs to be addressed as a medical matter-not a criminal matter. Our hope is that the City of Cleveland will include professional interpretation services as they roll out the plan for Tanisha’s Law. Mental health crises do not discriminate by language. In a city as diverse as Cleveland, it is essential that crisis response services are accessible, culturally responsive, and inclusive of non-English-speaking communities.”

In an article by Spectrum News 1, Council member Howse-Jones addressed the daughter of Tanisha Anderson, Mauvion, in a comment during Monday night’s meeting. “I just want to let her know that your mother is not forgotten,” Howse-Jones said. “And the tragedy that you experienced and that of your family, we are now going to ensure that no other person in Cleveland experiences.”

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, 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 YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@caircleveland
Follow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cairohiocleveland/

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CONTACT: CAIR-OH Executive Director, Northern Ohio, Faten Husni Odeh (216) 830-2247, fodeh@cair.com

Judiciary Committee Meetings | Ohio Senate: Meeting Canceled?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR-Ohio Urges State Senate to Reject Anti-Free Speech Bill SB 87 Ahead of Pending Judiciary Committee Markup
Bill Would Weaponize IHRA Definition to Chill Peaceful Protest and Political Advocacy

(COLUMBUS, Ohio | Jan. 28. 26) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations, Ohio chapter (CAIR Ohio), today called on the Ohio State Senate to vote NO on Senate Bill 87 (SB 87), warning that the bill poses a serious threat to First Amendment protections and could be used to silence peaceful political expression, including advocacy opposing Israel’s human rights abuses and genocide against Palestinians.

CLICK HERE: Ohio residents Urge State Senators to Vote NO on SB 87
The Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee was scheduled to consider SB 87 at a markup hearing this Wednesday, making immediate public engagement critical. While the meeting has been temporarily delayed due to winter weather and could take place within days.

At its core, SB 87 expands Ohio’s ethnic intimidation statute by enhancing criminal penalties based on perceived motive tied to race, religion, or national origin, including in contexts involving peaceful protest, political expression, and assembly. Civil rights advocates warn that the bill risks blurring the line between constitutionally protected speech and criminal conduct.

SB 87 would also codify the overbroad and widely criticized International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into Ohio law, raising serious concerns that criticism of a foreign government, specifically Israel and its policies, could be mischaracterized as evidence of discriminatory intent. Legal scholars, Jewish organizations, and civil liberties advocates have repeatedly cautioned that the IHRA definition has been weaponized across the country to suppress lawful speech and activism.

Ohio already has laws that address criminal conduct, including bias-motivated offenses. SB 87 does not clarify or narrow those statutes. Instead, it expands prosecutorial discretion by tying enhanced punishment to subjective assessments of motive, inviting uneven enforcement and creating a chilling effect on protected political advocacy, particularly during protests and demonstrations.

“The Ohio legislature should be strengthening constitutional protections, not undermining them,” said CAIR-Northern Ohio Executive Director Faten Husni Odeh. “SB 87 threatens to criminalize peaceful dissent and suppress advocacy for human rights under the guise of combating hate. Lawmakers must reject this dangerous approach.”

“Weaponizing antisemitism to criminalize criticism of Israel is criminal. Throwing the Constitution and your constituents under the bus to serve the lobby of a foreign state isn’t politics, it’s betrayal. There is no act more anti-American.,” said CAIR- Central & Southern Ohio Executive Director Khalid Turaani.

Organizations from across the state have joined CAIR-Ohio’s quest to defeat the anti-free speech bill again.

“There are other well-accepted definitions of antisemitism, including The Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism, which was published in 2021 by a diverse group of scholars and makes clear when speech on Israel-Palestine should not be considered antisemitic. Despite the availability of alternative definitions, organizations such as the ADL and government bodies continue to insist on using the IHRA definition, a clear indication that these efforts are not about protecting Jews from harm, but about censoring criticism of Israel. Anyone truly concerned about the rise of antisemitism would seek the removal of the IHRA from public and private use, not its further entrenchment.,” said Jewish Voice for Peace Cleveland member Dr. Robin Beth Schaer.

CAIR Ohio also pointed to a recently released joint CAIR and CAIR Action factsheet, “Voices of Resistance Against the IHRA Definition and the Antisemitism Awareness Act,” which documents how IHRA has been misused nationwide to conflate criticism of Israel with antisemitism and to silence students, activists, educators, and faith communities.

CAIR-Ohio urges members of the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee and the full Senate to protect public safety without sacrificing free speech, and calls on Ohio residents to contact their senators ahead of Wednesday’s markup hearing to demand a NO vote on SB 87

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.

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CONTACT: CAIR-Northern Ohio Executive Director, Faten Odeh (216) 440-2247, fodeh@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com

(CLEVELAND, OH, 12/19/2025) — CAIR Northern Ohio and CAIR Philadelphia, two chapters of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today express their condolences over the passing of Sheikh Fouad Saeed Abdulkadir at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, a private immigration detention facility located in Clearfield County, PA.

In a statement, CAIR-Northern Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh said:
“We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of a respected leader of the Muslim community, Sheikh Fouad Saeed Abdulkadir. We extend our deep condolences and support to the family.”

The Janazah will take place at Masjid Al Omary at 1:15 pm located at 4600 Rocky River Dr., Cleveland, Ohio with the burial at West Park Cemetery located at 3942 Ridge Rd., Cleveland, Ohio 44144.

CAIR remains committed to advocating for just and humane treatment of all individuals in immigration detention facilities.
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.

END
CONTACT: CAIR Northern Ohio (216) 440-2247, admin@cleveland.cair.com

(CLEVELAND, OH, 12/12/2025) — The Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed an apology for a racist anti-Arab post by Youngstown Council President Anita Davis.

In that post congratulating a police officer on his retirement, Davis said: “We all thought he was an Arab terrorist.” She later apologized for the post.

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

“Offensive comments like these are not jokes. They reflect and reinforce dangerous stereotypes that have real consequences for Arab, Muslim, and other marginalized communities. Elected officials have a responsibility to uphold the dignity of the people they serve, not demonize them with racist remarks. We welcome the apology, but call on the Youngstown City Council to take this matter seriously and to ensure that meaningful steps are taken to prevent this kind of dehumanizing rhetoric in the future.”

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

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.

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CONTACT: CAIR-Cleveland & Northern Ohio Executive Director, Faten Odeh (216) 830-2247, fodeh@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com

(CLEVELAND, OH, 11/28/2025) – On Tuesday, Nov. 25th, the Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, hosted a food and resource distribution in Asia Plaza before the Thanksgiving holiday.

The food and resource drive consisted of items such as dry and canned foods, fresh fruits, diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, hygiene products and turkey. These items were donated by the Muslim community in the Cleveland area and were available for all who needed.

In a statement, CAIR- Northern Ohio Executive Director Faten Husni Odeh said:
“While our political leaders were busy spreading baseless accusations of American nonprofits, citizens have had to step up where the government has failed the American people. Our staff was saddened at the news of the snap benefits cut during the government shut down and wanted to do something to help. Although the government shut-down is over and snap benefits have returned in a lower capacity for most, hunger is still a real problem in our country.”

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, 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 YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@caircleveland
Follow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cairohiocleveland/

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

(CLEVELAND, OH, 10/2/2025) – The Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today urged Ohioans and all Americans to call on their State and Federal Representatives and Senators to demand the immediate release of U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Phil Tottenham of Toledo, Ohio, who was kidnapped by Israeli forces while participating in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla.

TAKE ACTION NOW

The flotilla, comprised of more than 40 smaller boats, was carrying humanitarian aid in an effort to end the forced starvation of Gaza’s civilian population. Tottenham and fellow civilian volunteers were seized by Israeli forces in violation of international law.

Ohioans are demanding that their representatives take swift action to secure Tottenham’s release and ensure the protection of all U.S. citizens participating in peaceful humanitarian missions abroad. Advocacy organizations are urging constituents to contact their Members of Congress and the White House to hold Israel accountable and defend Americans exercising their right to provide humanitarian aid.

The Gaza Freedom Flotilla is part of an international campaign to end the blockade on Gaza and deliver essential medical supplies to women, children, and other civilians in desperate need. Tottenham’s courageous efforts reflect the growing movement among U.S. veterans and activists who are standing up for justice and human rights.

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

“Phil Tottenham, an Ohio veteran who put his life on the line for this country, is now being unjustly held for standing up for human rights. His abduction by Israeli forces is not only a violation of international law but an assault on the values we claim to uphold as Americans—freedom, justice, and the protection of those who act with conscience. Every elected official has a moral and constitutional duty to intervene immediately. Silence is complicity, and Ohioans will not stand silent while one of our own is targeted for delivering humanitarian aid.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, 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 YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@caircleveland
Follow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cairohiocleveland/
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CONTACT: CAIR-Cleveland & Northern Ohio Executive Director, Faten Odeh (216) 830-2247, fodeh@cair.com