CAIR-Ohio Welcomes Federal Probe of Case Western Reserve U. Targeting Anti-Genocide Group

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November
13

(CLEVELAND, OH, 11/13/24) – The Cleveland & Northern Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) today welcomed a federal probe of Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) allegedly targeting and intimidating students involved in Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP).

Yesterday, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced that it has opened a formal investigation into discrimination against Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students at Case Western Reserve University.

READ THE OCR LETTER.

CAIR-Ohio previously filed a Title VI Complaint against Case Western Reserve University (CWRU)

This complaint filed by CAIR-OHIO in July, details the university’s bias and hostility against students protesting for Palestine, including, but not limited to failure to address harassment, and unequal disciplinary actions against Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students.

While OCR looks into all the complaints it receives, it only opens a formal investigation when it determines the facts warrant a deeper look. OCR will examine whether CWRU’s actions complied with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

SEE: Title VI Complaint Against Case Western Reserve University
Executive Director of CAIR- Cleveland & North, Faten Odeh stated, “We are pleased to receive notification that our Title VI Complaint we filed on behalf of Case Western Reserve University students has been opened for investigation by the Office of Civil Rights. Institutions of education have a duty to protect students when it comes to safety and their rights no matter what their national origin, their faith or their political beliefs.”

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

“We welcome this investigation into Case Western’s discriminatory conduct against Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students that the administration has not ceased since this complaint was filed several months ago. Indeed, this is the rule of law and civil rights working as they should—to protect these targeted students, who like all other Case students, have the right to a safe and nondiscriminatory learning environment.”

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:

“President Kaler has to decide between complying with federal law and protect students’ rights or yield to external pressure from donors and politicians. Case Western Reserve University must respect students’ rights to protest, especially when those protests address the university’s investments in weapons technologies and industries undeniably linked to the occupation of Palestine. For too long, anti-Palestinian racism has gone unaddressed at CWRU. We hope this investigation will bring these issues to light and validate the resilience of students facing repressive rules intended to harass, intimidate, and threaten those protesting against genocide. As always, free Palestine!”

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.

Do you like reading CAIR press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR Cleveland & North.

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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & North Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-440-2247; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@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

CAIR-Ohio Welcomes Mayor of Salon’s Statement on Anti-Muslim Petition

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October
2

(Cleveland, OH, 10/2/24) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OH) welcomes the Mayor of Salon, Edward H. Kraus’ statement denouncing hate against the Chagrin Valley Islamic Center (CVIC).
The petition was created by a Solon resident currently serving overseas in the Israeli military. The petition’s goal was to halt activities from the mosque.
Mayor Kraus’ stated, “An attack on one faith is an attack on all.” “As the proud Jewish Mayor of this city, I am deeply troubled by a recent petition that casts a negative light on the Chagrin Valley Islamic Center (CVIC). The CVIC has been a wonderful addition to the rich tapestry of faiths that make up our community.”
CAIR-Ohio Cleveland, Executive Director, Faten Husni Odeh stated, “The incitement of hatred for the Muslim community by misconstruing the words of individuals and attempting to shut down the only place of worship for Muslims in Solon is un-American as it is our First Amendment right to freedom of religion. CAIR-Ohio welcomes Mayor Kraus’s act of unity against all 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.
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.
Do you like reading CAIR press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.
You are receiving this email due to your interest selection from commercial media databases. If you would like to join CAIR’s media list, please sign up here: https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters — For more information, email: info@cair.com, CC ihooper@cair.com
END
CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247

CAIR Urges Higher Ed, K-12 Schools to Protect Anti-Genocide Students as National Bullying Prevention Month Begins

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September
30

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/30/2024) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today urged all institutions of higher education and K-12 schools to protect anti-genocide students as National Bullying Prevention Month begins October 1.
As the anniversaries of the October 7 attacks and the start of the genocide in Gaza approaches, the organization urges schools to be aware of their legal obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) to provide all students, including students who are or are perceived to be Palestinian, Arab, or Muslim, a school environment free from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
The First Amendment also prohibits “viewpoint discrimination” – government action, which includes action by public university officials, that burdens or suppresses speech based on viewpoint.
“Bullying against Muslim students has been a long-standing issue,” said CAIR Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor. “But the worst bullies today are the schools, colleges, and universities that have decided to meet peaceful protest and calls for human rights by Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, and other anti-genocide students with police violence, discrimination, and harassment.”
He noted that earlier this month, CAIR designated Columbia University and the University of Texas at Austin as “institutions of particular concern” due to their hostile treatment of anti-genocide protesters. This follows an initial designation of George Washington University, the University of California Los Angeles, and Emory University in August.
SEE: CAIR Designates Columbia, UT Austin as ‘Institutions of Particular Concern’ Due to Mistreatment of Anti-Genocide Voices
SEE: CAIR, ADC Designate GWU, UCLA, and Emory as “Institutions of Particular Concern” Following Targeting of Anti-Genocide Student Protesters
Saylor said CAIR encourages any students experiencing discrimination and/or harassment to report it to our offices and to consult the following guides for resources and information on your rights.
SEE: CAIR’s Guide Against Bullying and Bias in Schools: Practical Steps for Youth and Their Families
SEE: Guidance for Students Targeted in Response to Palestine Rights Advocacy
BACKGROUNDER:
For almost a year, students at universities, colleges, and K-12 schools have faced racial, religious, and ethnic discrimination, as well as targeting from their own instructors and administrators, while protesting the continued genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza.
In August, CAIR launched its Unhostile Campus Campaign, a project aimed at fostering a campus environment where Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, Jewish, and other students, faculty, and staff opposing the genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza enjoy free speech and academic freedom without facing state force or university discipline for their viewpoints.
In 2023, CAIR received a total of 921 education-related complaints, which includes bullying and education discrimination, a 219% increase over the previous year. In 2024, 84% of Muslim students in higher education or in a trade/vocational program reported experiencing religious discrimination in the last year, according to the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding.
SEE: Hostile: How Universities Target Anti-Genocide Protesters While Enabling Anti-Palestinian Racism and Islamophobia
SEE: CAIR-NY: Feeling the Hate In Our Schools
SEE: New CAIR-CA Report Shows Muslim Students Are Bullied at Twice the National Average
SEE: ISPU: American Muslims, Especially Students, Most Likely to Experience Religious Discrimination
The organization encourages all university and school administrators to review the recommendations released in its “Hostile” report, which finds over thirty universities and colleges reportedly complicit in suppressing, silencing, or otherwise targeting anti-genocide students, particularly those who are Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim. Recommendations include properly investigating incidents of discrimination and/or harassment against Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students, such as attacks on students for wearing religious and cultural signifiers like head scarves and keffiyehs. It also urges all administrators to refuse false conflations of legitimate political speech, such as criticizing the state of Israel or asserting Palestinians’ right to self-determination, with hate speech or calls for violence.
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 Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor, 202-384-8857, csaylor@cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com

CAIR-Ohio hosted a Community Resource Fair in celebration of National Muslim Voter Registration Day on September 17th.

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September
29

Cleveland, OH – September 28, 2024 – CAIR-Ohio hosted a Community Resource Fair in celebration of National Muslim Voter Registration Day on September 17th. The event, held in the parking lot next to Levant Shawarma on Lorain Avenue, brought together local vendors, organizations, and community members for an afternoon of family fun, engagement, and civic empowerment. Some of these vendors included One Ummah Initiative, Cleveland Public Library, Crafty Queen, League of Women Voters and more!
Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including a bounce house for children, food from local vendors, and a free raffle with exciting prizes. The event provided an opportunity for the community to connect with local services, learn about voter registration, and engage with supportive organizations working to empower the Muslim community.
“We are incredibly grateful to all the vendors and organizations that participated, as well as to everyone who came out to support this important day,” said Jenna Muhieddine, CAIR-Ohio GOTV Coordinator and event organizer. “Events like these help build stronger, more informed communities. When we come together, we can make real change.”
The resource fair was part of CAIR-Ohio’s ongoing efforts to mobilize Muslim voters and promote civic engagement. With National Muslim Voter Registration Day serving as a focal point, CAIR-Ohio emphasized the importance of voting and being active in shaping local and national policies.
Special thanks are extended to all the vendors, community partners, and volunteers who made the event a success. The overwhelming turnout reflects the growing power of the Muslim community in Cleveland and beyond.

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 & North Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-440-2247.

CAIR-Cleveland Condemns Distribution of Racist Flyers on YSU Campus

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September
28

(CLEVELAND, OH, 9/27/2024) – The Cleveland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) today condemned the distribution of racist flyers on the campus of Youngstown State University.
The fliers were from a known white supremacy group and included racist remarks. Campus police are investigating the incident.
“We condemn the distribution of this hateful propaganda and thank campus police for taking this incident seriously,” said CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Faten Odeh. “We urge students of all backgrounds to continue resisting this intimidation and stand together to repudiate messages of hate.”
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’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.
Do you like reading CAIR press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.
You are receiving this email due to your interest selection from commercial media databases. If you would like to join CAIR’s media list, please sign up here: https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters — For more information, email: info@cair.com, CC ihooper@cair.com
END
CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & North Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-440-2247; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@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

CAIR-Ohio Co-Hosts State and Local Candidates Town Hall in Cleveland in Preparation for the November Election

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September
24

(Cleveland, OH, 9/18/24) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations is partnered with the Arab American Voter Project (AAVP) and the Arab Americans of Cleveland Young Professionals Network (AAC) to host the first State and Local Candidates Town Hall for the Muslim and Arab communities Thursday, September 12.
The forum, held at La Villa Conference and Banquet Hall, provided an opportunity for congressional candidates to engage with the Muslim and Arab communities and for those communities to ask questions important to their communities of the candidates.
The event host was Director of Public Relations and Outreach of the Islamic Society of Akron and Kent and former president of Students for Justice in Palestine at Kent State University (KSU), Yaseen Shaikh and the moderator was Marwa Ghumrawi, the Director of Operations and Communications at the Washington Center for Yemeni Studies and board member of AAC.
All local and state candidates running in races across Cleveland and northern Ohio were invited to speak at the event. The candidates who did accept the invitation were Chris Glassburn (D) candidate for Ohio State House District 15, Sean Brennan(D) incumbent candidate for Ohio State House District 14, David Morgan(R) candidate for Ohio State District 14, Tristan Rader (D) candidate for Ohio State District 13, Judge Lisa Forbes (D) running for Ohio Supreme Court, by proxy incumbent candidate Judge Michael P. Donnelly (D) running for Ohio Supreme Court, Judge Melody J. Stewart (D) running for Ohio Supreme Court, Sue Durichko (D) candidate running for Ohio State District 24 and Thomas Patton(R) candidate running for Ohio State District 24.
President of the Arab Americans of Cleveland-Young Professionals Network, Omar Kurdi stated at the event, 
“We are proud of our collaboration with CAIR-Ohio Cleveland Chapter and the Arab American Voter Project in hosting town halls that advance civic education. Last night’s event demonstrated out community’s commitment to demanding accountability from candidates and highlighted the candidates’ willingness to listen and respond. The is the moment to exercise our right to vote, voice our opinions, and champion a society grounded in accountability and justice.”
Hundreds of questions were submitted to the moderator, many of the questions included concerns about the crisis in Palestine, doxing issues, minority scholarships and incarcaree rights.
This Town Hall is the third event from the Candidates Town Hall series offered by the three organizations. The first Town Halls occurred before the March Primaries and the fourth segment will be held in October with a focus on county elections.
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
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CAIR-Ohio Co-Hosts Congressional Town Hall in Cleveland in Preparation for the November Election

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August
30

(Cleveland, OH, 8/30/24) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations is partnered with the Arab American Voter Project (AAVP) and the Arab Americans of Cleveland Young Professionals Network (AAC) to host the first Congressional Candidates Town Hall for the Muslim and Arab communities Wednesday, August 28th.
The forum, held at La Villa Conference and Banquet Hall, provided an opportunity for congressional candidates to engage with the Muslim and Arab communities and for those communities to ask questions important to their communities of the candidates.
The event host was long-time Cleveland native and former board of trustee of the Islamic Center of Cleveland (ICC), Tristan Wheeler and the moderator was Marwa Ghumrawi, the Director of Operations and Communications at the Washington Center for Yemeni Studies and board member of AAC.
All congressional candidates across Cleveland and northern Ohio were invited to speak at the event. Candidates who did not respond or declined our invitation were Senator Brown, Congresswoman Emilia Sykes, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Congressman Max Miller, Bernie Moreno (R), Kevin Coughlin (R) nor did they send a representative.
The candidates who did accept the invitation were Mathew Diemer (D) running for U.S. House District 7, Alan Rapoport (R) running for U.S. House District 11, Sean Freeman (I) running for U.S. House Ohio District 11 and Congressman Kucinich (I) running for U.S. House District 7, by proxy through former Cleveland Airport Commissioner, Khalid Bahhur.
Board Member of CAIR-Ohio, Melaak Rashid stated at the event, 
“This Town Hall series was to have the dialogue…there’s going to be frustrations, there’s going to be answers that we like and answers that we don’t like and organizations like CAIR-Cleveland, AAVP and AAC are 501c3s and are non-partisan which means it is required for them when they host events like this to invite all of the candidates regardless of party affiliation and regardless of their beliefs. The beauty in that is to be able to see and hear firsthand what their sentiments are, what they would like to do, what they don’t plan to do and the things you need to hear to inform your decision when you go to the ballot box. Regardless of the views that you liked or disliked, now you had a first glance on where these candidates stand on issues that are important to you. What we need to do is make sure that candidates know that Muslims Americans’ and Arab Americans’ voices matter and when we show up in larger numbers to events like this, they actually realize that we can make a difference on whether or not they win or lose their elections.”
Hundreds of questions were submitted to the moderator, many of the questions included concerns about the crisis in Palestine with one attendee directly asking a candidate to clarify his understanding of what is happening in Palestine.
This Town Hall is one of three events from the Candidates Town Hall series offered by the three organizations. The first Town Hall occurred before the March Primaries and the third segment will held on September 12th with a focus on local elections.
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
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CAIR-Ohio Files Title VI Complaint Against Case Western Reserve University on Behalf of Palestinian Students 

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July
22

(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

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June
28

(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.
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

Posted by: cairclev Tags: There is no tagsThere is no tags

June 26

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

© Copyright 2017 CAIR-Ohio