‘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/

– END –

(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

(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

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court’s 9-0 ruling allowing CAIR’s lawsuit challenging the federal No Fly List on behalf of Yonas Fikre to move forward over the government’s objection as a “historic milestone for Muslims.”

This case marked the first time that CAIR argued directly before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Yonas Fikre is an American Muslim who was tortured and imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates at the behest of American officials, and then stranded in Sweden because of his status on the No Fly List, after he refused pressure from the FBI to become an informant.

The government took Fikre off the list after CAIR filed suit and tried to argue that Fikre’s case was moot in order to avoid the threat of a court ruling declaring the watchlist unconstitutional. The FBI has previously removed over ten CAIR clients from the No Fly List in response to lawsuits filed by the civil rights group.

Today, the Supreme Court rejected the government’s argument that lawsuits like Fikre’s case are moot. In a unanimous opinion by Justice Gorsuch, the Court explained that the government’s declaration provided no assurances he would not be placed back on the list if he repeated whatever behavior the Government thought was grounds to put him on in the first place.

The declaration was silent as to “whether the government might relist him if he does the same or similar things in the future—say, attend a particular mosque or refuse renewed overtures to serve as an informant.” So the Government did not prove “that it cannot reasonably be expected to resume its challenged conduct—whether the suit happens to be new or long lingering, and whether the challenged conduct might recur immediately or later at some more propitious moment.”

CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad lauded the decision: “CAIR has achieved a major victory at the Supreme Court and a historic milestone for American Muslims, including tens of thousands unjustly targeted by our government. We vow to continue our fight until the FBI’s secret watchlists no longer target our communities and undermine the Constitution. We congratulate our amazing legal team for this achievement, and we thank our supporters for entrusting CAIR to protect their rights.”

CAIR National Litigation Director Lena Masri added: “The court’s unanimous decision is a stinging rebuke of the FBI’s longstanding practice of avoiding accountability by removing innocent Muslims who challenge their listing in federal court.”

CAIR National Deputy Litigation Director Gadeir Abbas, who argued the case for Yonas Fikre before the Supreme Court on January 8th, hailed the decision. “The FBI cannot play whack-a-mole with the rights of Muslims. The FBI cannot place innocent Muslims on the No Fly List, only to then block that unconstitutional list from scrutiny by removing those Muslims whenever they file a lawsuit.”

CAIR Senior Litigation Attorney Justin Sadowsky noted that he looked forward to continuing the case. “If the Government is going to defend what it did to Yonas, then we will make sure a Court rules that what it did was illegal. The Government must change its ways if it wants to avoid judicial scrutiny of the No Fly List.”

READ: The Supreme Court’s Decision in FBI v. Fikre

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/

– END –

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

(CLEVELAND, OH, 3/19/24) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) joined leaders of the Christian and Jewish faiths at Cleveland City Hall for an interfaith prayer and iftar, breaking of the fast.

Last night began at the steps of City Hall with an interfaith prayer led by Faten Odeh, Rabbi Miriam, and Dr. Shereen Naser.

Ceasefire advocates have been attending Monday night City Council for the past 16 consecutive meetings and have been met with countless restrictions and alleged civil rights violations.

On March 4^th, the ceasefire advocates led their own passing of a ceasefire resolution under what they had formed as the People’s Council, a coalition of interfaith partners and community organizers. Under the People’s Council, the ceasefire resolution passed unanimously, however, they were quickly removed from the rotunda of Cleveland City Hall by law enforcement and threatened with citations.

CAIR-Ohio Staff Attorney, Chance Zurub stated, “For the past 16 weeks, we have built a community dedicated to coming out to Cleveland City Council who remains steadfast despite the restrictions the city has placed on us, whether that be limiting seating, closing down entire hallways, or removing us from publicly gathering. Just as our brothers and sisters in Gaza resist and remain steadfast despite the sheer amount of violence upon them, we will continue to come to Cleveland City Council demanding accountability and a resolution. We would not have been able to do this without the community’s support in sacrificing their Mondays to allow us to pass the People’s Resolution or by allowing us to share iftar together. The people of Cleveland are truly committed to Palestinian liberation and each Monday is a testament to this movement.”

CAIR-Ohio hand delivered letters to Mayor Bibb and Council President Griffin as well as emailed them to give notice of a religious accommodation that needed to be fulfilled, as many ceasefire advocates, attending Monday night City Council meetings would need to break their fast during the meetings.

CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh stated:

“I had hoped that Cleveland City Council would’ve given us a space to break our fast other than on the stairs of the foyer, but regardless of the area we were in, it was a beautiful sight to see with all the different communities and faiths coming together. As soon as the Muslims came out of their chambers they were met with members of the Christian, Jewish and other community members serving the fasting population of Muslims their iftar. Five different people made the main dish of mujadera and CAIR brought the salad to go with.”

Dr. Shereen Naser, a Palestinian Clevelander who led the Christian prayer stated, “When our elected officials refuse to protect us and care of our community, then we will step in and do it. Breaking fast and eating together was a reminder of the world that is possible. It also is a testament to our continued commitment to our cause.”

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

Tweets by 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

DONATE

– END –

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

(CLEVELAND, OH, 3/8/24) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) today urged Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) to reverse the decision to suspend the student organization, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP).

According to a statement posted on the Instagram page of CWRU’s SJP, the university imposed an interim suspension on SJP for allegations members of the student organization have deemed to be a demonstration of the university’s targeting of students who support Palestinian voices.

The Instagram post stated, “This allegation by CWRU demonstrates that students who support Palestinian voices are guilty until proven innocent.”

CAIR-Ohio was contacted by members of the SJP in the Fall of 2023 for assistance in what the students felt was targeting and intimidation by the university administration.

CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh stated:

“CAIR-Ohio met with the university several times about their frequent contacting and questioning of the students, which students expressed caused them to feel unsafe and unwelcome. When we met with the administration, they told us that they were ‘waiting for the temperature to cool down.’ We are disappointed in Case’s decision to continue this pattern of behavior that is causing the students to feel that they cannot express their support for human rights for Palestinians.”

According to the students, the interim suspension of recognition prevents students from receiving any student organization privileges such as receiving funding.

In a statement sent to us by the students the members of the CWRU SJP reported allegations of relentless attacks and harassment from President Kaler’s administration:

“For the past two years under President Kaler’s administration, Case Western Reserve University’s Students for Justice in Palestine has suffered from relentless attacks and harassment. Now, students’ safety and academics are endangered as CWRU suspends our organization and launches an investigation on students advocating for Palestinian justice. Our futures are hanging in the balance by the CWRU administration’s prioritization of outside actors over students- a betrayal that has permanently cemented CWRU’s complicity in genocide in future history books.”

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