CAIR-Cleveland & Northern Ohio

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  • CAIR-Cleveland Commends Jail Chaplaincy Program For Facilitating Eid Al-Fitr Celebrations for Incarcerated Muslims

    CAIR-Cleveland Commends Jail Chaplaincy Program For Facilitating Eid Al-Fitr Celebrations for Incarcerated Muslims

    (CLEVELAND, OH – 5/26/2020) – The Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OH) today commended the chaplaincy program at the Cuyahoga County Jail for their efforts to support fasting Muslims as they celebrate the Feast of Fast Breaking (Eid Al-Fitr) at the end of Ramadan. More than 100 Muslims in the facility participated in the month-long fast of Ramadan during the restrictions of COVID-pandemic.

    Due to social distancing measures, incarcerated Muslims were not able to congregate for Eid prayers, but were provided with the transcription of a pre-recorded video Eid message from Shaykh Musa Sugapong of Darul Qasim Institute and the Islamic Center of Cleveland. The fasting Muslims also received an official recognition proclamation from Cuyahoga County for the holiday and accommodations for a special Eid meal.

    In a statement, CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Chapter Executive Director Julia Shearsonsaid:

    “CAIR-Ohio is committed to doing our part to help end mass incarceration through education efforts that promote peace and social justice and the treatment of all people with dignity and respect. Ramadan encourages upright moral behavior and noble conduct and promotes abiding mercy and compassion for others. The lessons of Ramadan are especially profound in a prison or jail setting. We commend the fasting Muslims for their accomplishments and encourage them to carry the spirit and discipline of Ramadan forward all year long. We also appreciate the efforts of the chaplaincy program in trying to make the Eid celebrate special even during social distancing.”

    As part of its Empowerment Program for Incarcerated Communities (EPIC), CAIR was able to provide Eid al-Fitr sweets and savory appetizers for the more than 100 fasting Muslims at the Cuyahoga County facility. CAIR-Ohio also issued a pre-Ramadan guidance memorandum on the legal requirements for respecting the rights of incarcerated Muslims, which was sent to correctional institutions and jails throughout Ohio. CAIR-Ohio provided hundreds of Ramadan educational packages in response to written requests from incarcerated individuals throughout the state. CAIR-Ohio officials regularly advocate on issues related to religious freedom for Muslims under conditions of confinement in Ohio.

    For more information about EPIC, click here.

    To read CAIR-Ohio’s Pre-Ramadan Guidance Memorandum, click here.

    To read the Cuyahoga County Jail Administration’s Congratulatory Eid Message, click here.

    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.

     

    END

    CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Cleveland Chapter Executive Director Julia A. Shearson, 216-440-2247, jshearson@cair.com; CAIR EPIC Program Coordinator, Areege Hammad, 216-830-2247, ahammad@cair.com

  • A Ramadan & Eid Message

    On behalf of the Board and Staff at CAIR-Ohio, we wish you and your family all the rewards of Ramadan and a Blessed Eid to come, inshaAllah.

    Please view our brief video message to you and your family.

    To support the pursuit of peace and justice, please donate here.

    Please watch a short video from Julia Shearson, Executive Director
    CAIR Cleveland & Northern Ohio Chapter

  • CAIR-Cleveland Engages Ohio Muslims in Get-Out-the-Vote Efforts for the Mid-Term Elections

    CAIR-Cleveland Engages Ohio Muslims in Get-Out-the-Vote Efforts for the Mid-Term Elections

    (CLEVELAND, OH – 10/30/18) – The Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) is engaging Muslim voters in Ohio through a get-out-the vote campaign in the run-up to the mid-term elections.

    The campaign entitled, You Can’t Ban the Vote, involves a get-out-the vote telethon, public service announcement videos and postcard reminders aimed at getting out the Muslim vote in Ohio.

    “The purpose of this campaign is to remind Muslims in Ohio about the importance of getting out to vote especially in this year’s crucial mid-term elections,” said CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia Shearson.

    Click & Watch PSA Video Clips Below:

    Let’s Put Our Faith into Action and Get Out the Vote!  

    Don’t Let Voter Suppression Get You Down. Get Out to Vote! 

    Keep the Faith and Keep the Vote Alive! 

    The Mid-Term Elections Counts, So Let’s Make Our Vote Count! 

    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.

    – END –

    CONTACT:  CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia Shearson, 216.830.2247, jshearson@cair.com; CAIR-Cleveland Co-Founder M. Isam Zaiem, 216.337.7928, isamz@sbcglobal.net.

  • 30 CAIR Leaders Attend Inauguration of Lynching Memorial in Alabama

    30 CAIR Leaders Attend Inauguration of Lynching Memorial in Alabama

    On April 28, CAIR-Cleveland’s Executive Director joined some 30 national leaders of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, in attending the inauguration of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama.

    The facility is “the nation’s first memorial dedicated to the legacy of enslaved black people, people terrorized by lynching, African Americans humiliated by racial segregation and Jim Crow, and people of color burdened with contemporary presumptions of guilt and police violence.”

    SEE: This New Lynching Memorial Rewrites American History (CNN)

    The National Memorial for Peace and Justice

    “It is critically important that American Muslim leaders and activists learn about the legacy of those who suffered under brutal slavery and segregation for hundreds of years, who fought for basic dignity and human rights, and made the civil rights movement a reality,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad, who attended the memorial’s inauguration.

    CAIR national and chapter leaders also visited Montgomery, Selma and Birmingham as part of a three-day civil rights educational tour.

    The Washington-based civil rights organization said it has witnessed an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims and members of other minority groups since the election of Donald Trump as president.

    Community members are being urged to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR’s National Civil Rights Department at 202.742.6420 or by filing a report at: http://www.cair.com/report. Complaints can also be made to the local Cleveland Chapter by calling 216.830.2247.

    CAIR launched an app to share critical “know your rights” information and to simplify the process to report hate crimes and bias incidents. CAIR is urging American Muslims and members of other minority groups to download the app and utilize this resource to stay informed and empowered.

    For a quick download of CAIR’s civil rights app, click here: http://www.cair.com/app

    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.

  • More Than 425 People Attend CAIR-Cleveland Civil Rights Banquet

    More Than 425 People Attend CAIR-Cleveland Civil Rights Banquet

    More than 425 people attend CAIR-Cleveland Civil Rights Banquet

    (CLEVELAND, OH, 4/22/18) – On Saturday April 21, the Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OHIO) hosted its 16th Annual Civil Rights Banquet, with the theme “Living Our Faith, Defending Freedom.” More than 425 people attended, and the fundraising goals set for the event were exceeded.

    The annual event raises funds for CAIR-Cleveland’s work to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

    Banquet speakers included Roula Allouch, Esq., CAIR-National Board Chair; Imam Suheib Webb, Founder of SWISS; Hassan Shibly, Esq., Chief Executive Director of CAIR-Florida, Edward Mitchell, Esq., Executive Director of CAIR-Georgia; and Preacher Moss, All-Star Comedian and Educator. In addition, CAIR presented their I-CAIR Volunteer of the Year Award to interfaith volunteers Grace Uhle and Donna Asnani.

    CONTACT: Julia A. Shearson, 216.830.2247 or 216.440.2247, E-Mail: jshearson@cair.com or Isam Zaiem, 216.337.7928 or isamz@sbcglobal.net

    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.

    To learn more about CAIR, go to: http://www.cair.com or http://caircleveland.com

    -END-

  • Donate to CAIR-Cleveland This Ramadan

    Donate to CAIR-Cleveland This Ramadan

    Please donate to CAIR-Cleveland this Ramadan. Donations will help CAIR-Cleveland to better serve the community.

    Your donation will directly sustain our pro bono legal services, vital education programs, media and interfaith work, and community service activities. All donations are tax-deductible and zakat eligible.   Our federal tax ID number is 31-1602287.


    You may also send your gift in the mail:
    CAIR-Cleveland
    2999 Payne Ave, Suite 220
    Cleveland, OH 44114

     

     

  • Know Your Rights and Responsibilitites: Requesting Religious Accommodations During Ramadan

    Know Your Rights and Responsibilitites: Requesting Religious Accommodations During Ramadan

    As-Salamu Alaykum Community Members,

    Alhamdullilah, the month of Ramadan is here. We, at CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Chapter, pray that Allah (swt) will shower you and your families with the peace and blessings of Ramadan. May Allah (swt) accept your fasting, charity and good deeds during this blessed month.

    From a practical perspective, we are providing information below to help you should you need to request a religious accommodation at work or at school. Remember that you have a right to practice your religion and there are laws that ensure you can exercise this right.

    (more…)

  • CAIR Reports Record Number of Congressional Meetings on National Muslim Advocacy Day

    CAIR Reports Record Number of Congressional Meetings on National Muslim Advocacy Day

    (WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/10/18) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reported today that some 400 delegates from 28 states met on Monday and Tuesday with more than 250 elected officials and congressional staffers during the record-breaking fourth annual “National Muslim Advocacy Day” on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

    CAIR, the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, said Muslim delegates participating in this year’s advocacy day event met with a third of the House of Representatives and almost half of the Senate.

    [NOTE: Last year, delegates met with some 230 congressional offices.]

    “It was amazing to see the spirit and enthusiasm of all those who traveled from across our nation to meet with their elected officials to make the voice of the American Muslim community heard on Capitol Hill,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.

    The lobbying effort, the largest congressional Muslim advocacy event, was sponsored by the US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), a coalition of leading national and local American Muslim organizations.*

    (more…)

  • Two Faiths: One Spirit | Free Public Concert Series

    Two Faiths: One Spirit | Free Public Concert Series

    TWO FAITHS: ONE SPIRIT

    March 14 – 18, 2018

    From the Sarajevo Haggadah to the Courageous Librarians of Timbuktu

    A richly illuminated Jewish holy book known as the Sarajevo Haggadah is saved from the Nazis during WWII by an Imam who recognizes its historical, cultural and spiritual value and hides it under the mosque floor allowing it to be preserved to this day. A group of courageous librarians risk their lives to save Muslim manuscripts and literary treasures housed in Timbuktu from destruction by violent extremists with the help of Harvard Professor, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, a Christian from West Virginia whose African roots lead him to help save the rich historical legacy of his ancestral land.

    These two parallel stories of religiously significant documents saved with the help of people of different beliefs shows the indomitable nature of the human spirit and our instinct to work together preserve what is beautiful and good in the world.

    For more info:
    citymusiccleveland.org

    Avner Dorman conductor | Merima Ključo accordion

    BARDANASHVILI Elegy for Strings
    KLJUČO Sarajevo Haggadah: Music of the Book – World Premiere
    RANJBARAN Seven Passages COHEN Warzazat

    Wednesday, March 14, 7:30PM
    Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, 23737 Fairmount Boulevard, Beachwood
    Thursday, March 15, 7:30PM
    St. Jerome Church, 15000 Lake Shore Boulevard, Collinwood
    Friday, March 16, 11AM
    Cuyahoga County Library Auditorium, 2121 Snow Road, Parma
    Friday, March 16, 7:30PM
    Lakewood Congregational Church, 1375 West Clifton, Lakewood
    Saturday, March 17, 8PM
    St. Stanislaus Church, 3649 East 65th Street, Cleveland
    Sunday, March 18, 4PM
    St. Mary Parish, 320 Middle Avenue, Elyria

  • Supporters to Rally for Youngstown Business Owner on Hunger Strike, Detained By ICE

    Supporters to Rally for Youngstown Business Owner on Hunger Strike, Detained By ICE

    Supporters to Rally for Youngstown Business Owner on Hunger Strike, Detained By ICE

    (CLEVELAND, OH, 1/20/18) – On Sunday, January 21, family, friends and supporters of Youngstown-area businessman Amer Othman Adi will rally to protest his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Adi, who is being held at Northeast Ohio Correctional Center in Youngstown, is currently on a hunger strike to protest his detention.

    WHAT: Rally and Vigil in support of hunger striking Palestinian Arab businessman and his US citizen family.

    WHEN: Sunday, January 21, 2-4 p.m.

    WHERE: Northeast Ohio Correctional Center 2240 Hubbard Road, Youngstown Ohio 44505

    CONTACT: Julia A. Shearson, CAIR-Cleveland executive director, 216.440.2247 or jshearson@cair.com

    “No one in America should be forced to go through the bureaucratic nightmare that has ensnared this family. Mr. Adi has never had a proper review of his case. If he had, he would have been a citizen a long time ago,” said CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia A. Shearson, who attended a rally today at an Adi family business in downtown Youngstown.

    Adi, who was prepared to voluntarily leave the country with his wife, presented himself at what was to be a routine check-in meeting with ICE on January 16. However, Adi, who was in the company of Congressman Tim Ryan and his immigration attorney David Leopold, was inexplicably detained by ICE officials. Fidaa, his American wife of 30 years, was left in tears without her husband. Such heart-wrenching separations are increasingly being inflicted on American families due to the broken immigration system.

    Adi, who has owned and operated more than a half-dozen businesses in the Youngstown area, is credited with helping to revitalize the downtown area after opening Downtown Circle Convenience which served as an anchor business. The family-run business provides a grocery store in the front and a popular restaurant and hookah and sports bar in the back. Adi’s wife and four adult daughters are all US citizens. His congressman, state senators, local clergy and people of all walks of life have rallied to support the popular businessman in an effort to get a stay of deportation so that his case could get a full review.

    SEE: ICE moves businessman to prison because of hunger strike

    http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2018/01/ice_moves_businessman_to_prison_because_of_hunger_strike.html

    LISTEN: In a Week of Twists, Congress Steps Into the Deportation Case of Amer Adi

    http://wksu.org/post/week-twists-congress-steps-deportation-case-amer-adi#stream/0

    SEE: Youngstown man, spared deportation recently, arrested pending deportation (photos)

    http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2018/01/youngstown_man_spared_deportat.html

    CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

    La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

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    CONTACT: Julia A. Shearson, CAIR-Cleveland executive director, 216.440.2247 or jshearson@cair.com, Ibrahim Hooper, CAIR National Communications Director, 202.744.7726, ihooper@cair.com