CAIR CONDEMNS ‘BARBARIC’ LONDON TERROR ATTACKS

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July
7

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/7/05) – A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group today condemned this morning’s bomb attacks in London as “barbaric crimes.”

In its statement, the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said:

“We join Americans of all faiths, and all people of conscience worldwide, in condemning these barbaric crimes that can never be justified or excused. American Muslims offer their sincere condolences to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured in today’s attacks and call for the swift apprehension and punishment of the perpetrators.”

The Muslim Council of Britain and other British Islamic groups issued similar condemnations of the attacks and urged Muslims to help in the recovery effort.

In 2004, CAIR launched an online petition drive, called “Not in the Name of Islam,” designed to disassociate Islam from the violent acts of a few Muslims. SEE: https://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/1370-cair-condemns-barbaric-london-terror-attacks.html

The “Not in the Name of Islam” petition states: “We, the undersigned Muslims, wish to state clearly that those who commit acts of terror, murder and cruelty in the name of Islam are not only destroying innocent lives, but are also betraying the values of the faith they claim to represent. No injustice done to Muslims can ever justify the massacre of innocent people, and no act of terror will ever serve the cause of Islam. We repudiate and dissociate ourselves from any Muslim group or individual who commits such brutal and un-Islamic acts. We refuse to allow our faith to be held hostage by the criminal actions of a tiny minority acting outside the teachings of both the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.”

CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 31 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. 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. To read CAIR’s Mission, Vision Statement and Core Principles, go to: https://www.cair.com/about-us/vision-mission-core-principles.html

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OHIO CONTACTS: Ahmad Al-Akhras, 614.989.5916, ahmad@cair-ohio.com, Julia Shearson, 216.440.2247, Karen Dabdoub, 513.604.4444

CLEVELAND MUSLIMS HOLD EMERGENCY CIVIL RIGHTS FORUM

Posted by: cairclev Tags: , , , | Categories: Event, KYR, News

February
15

Meeting prompted by seizure of Muslim financial records

(CLEVELAND, OH, 2/15/05) – On Sunday, February 13, the Ohio office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), in cooperation with Beit Hanina Social Club, held a “Know Your Rights” forum in Cleveland.

The forum was in response to the recent federal search and seizures conducted at the office of a prominent certified public accountant, whose firm housed the financial records of hundreds of Muslim businesses and individuals in the Greater Cleveland area.

At the forum, prominent civil and immigration rights attorneys highlighted challenges facing the Muslim community in post-9/11 America. Citing recent FBI questioning about people’s political views, civil rights attorney Terry Gilbert said, “Fear and paranoia have replaced reason and common sense.” On a positive note, Gilbert cited the courts as the “last bastion” and praised a judicial system where people can “still get relief when the other branches of government fail them.”

An ACLU spokesperson criticized a series of measures that abridge civil rights, including selective enforcement of immigration law, detention without charge, no-fly lists, and the Patriot Act. He said the general attitude toward Muslims in America now is that they are “guilty until proven innocent.”

Nationally-known immigration attorney David Leopold told Muslims that they must be vigilant in protecting their rights. He raised strong concerns about the recent passage of HR 418, a bill that strips the rights of immigrants and makes it virtually impossible for asylum seekers to win refuge in this country.

Overall, the panel called for members of the Muslim community to unite in defense of their rights. Leopold said that “Muslim Americans should call their public officials and voice opposition to discriminatory legislation. He said, “Government and public officials are our servants and they need to be reminded that they work for us.”

In speaking of the possibility of an FBI visit at his home, one audience member said, “When something like that happens, it is a very lonely world for you and your family.” Panelists were quick to point to resources available in such situations. “Know your rights” pamphlets were distributed, along with a handy worksheet to be filled out in case of a visit by law enforcement. More than 100 people attended the meeting.  Leaders agreed to form coalitions and to hold additional educational seminars.

CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 31 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

To read CAIR’s Mission, Vision Statement and Core Principles, go to: https://www.cair.com/about-us/vision-mission-core-principles.html

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CONTACT: Julia A. Shearson, 216.830.2247 or 216.440.2247, E-Mail: jshearson@cair.com; Ibrahim Hooper, 202.488.8787 or 202.744.7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com

 

Donations Help Tsunami Victims

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January
27

(Cleveland, OH, 1/27/05) – The Islamic Center of Cleveland raised $15,000 in one day for the victims of the Asian tsunami that hit on Dec. 26, 2004. The money was donated to the Red Cross on Jan. 1, 2005 making the Center one of the first Muslim organizations in the area to donate to the relief fund.

“We are so grateful to the Islamic Center of Cleveland for being among the first to recognize the enormity of this horrible tragedy, said Mary-Alice Frank, CEO of the American Red Cross, Greater Cleveland Chapter. “Their financial donation will help many people who are trying to put their lives back together following the tsunami disaster.”

ICC Treasurer, Ahmed Ansari, said he was not surprised by the generosity because the Muslim community is always very open hearted. In announcements after Friday prayers he said it was wonderful to see little kids raising money to donate. One child donated $185.

At the Eid-ul-Adha celebration on Jan. 21, a group of children organized a separate fundraiser with their parents. Six boys, Ammar, Zaeem, Salman, Hashim, Murtaza and Saad baked brownies and cookies, while three girls, Sanya, Sara and Farah made book-markers and bracelets. Together the children raised $360.

The money will be donated to Save the Children, an organization devoted to providing non-profit humanitarian relief for needy children around the globe. This contribution will go directly to the children affected by the tsunami. At the bake sale, the children told customers that a $4-donation could cover antibiotics for one needy child.

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Muslims in Northeast Ohio Celebrate End of Pilgrimage Season

Posted by: cairclev Tags: , , , , | Categories: Event, News

January
20

What: On January 20, 2005, the local Muslim community will celebrate the end of the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca, or Hajj, with communal prayers at various mosques in the Cleveland area. The prayers and the holiday which follows, are called Eid ul-Adha (eed-al-odd-ha), or “festival of sacrifice.” Eid ul-Adha is the second of the two major Muslim holidays. It commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael at God’s command. The holiday is celebrated with communal prayers, small gifts for children, distribution of meat to the needy and social gatherings.

There are more than 60,000 Muslims in the Cleveland metropolitan area, an estimated six million in America and some 1.2 billion worldwide. Demographers say Islam is the fastest growing religion in this country and around the world. Each year, more than two million Muslims go on Hajj.

When: Thursday & Friday morning, January 20 & 21, 2005.

Where: Various Mosques and Islamic Centers

Contact: Contact the local mosques directly.

Julia A. Shearson, Director, CAIR-OHIO, Cleveland office 216.830.2247; 216.440.2247. E-Mail: jshearson@cair.com

Photo Opportunity:  Each year, Muslims come to the prayers in colorful traditional dress. The prayers themselves are quite visual, with worshippers arranged in neat rows and bowing in prayers in unison. Participants exchange embraces at the conclusion of the prayers.

Other Events:  Numerous celebrations and events will be held over the next three days. Please contact the mosques directly for further information.

Note: Because these are religious services, reporters and photographers of both sexes should dress modestly. Photographers should arrive early to get into position for the best shots. Photographers are also advised not to step directly in front of worshippers and to ask permission for close-up shots.

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Local Muslims to Celebrate Eid Ul-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)

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January
19

(Cleveland, Ohio 1/19/05) -Thousands of Muslims in Northeast Ohio and across the world are observing activities associated with the annual Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. Hajj is one of the “five pillars” of the Islamic faith. (The other pillars include a declaration of faith, daily prayers, offering regular charity, and fasting during the month of Ramadan.) Pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey. Cleveland area Muslims to hold communal prayers on Thursday morning, January 20, 2005.

The obligatory and optional activities of Hajj include:

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Muslim Civil Rights Organization Hosted Annual Banquet in Cleveland

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May
24

Dr. David Cole, constitutional scholar, delivered keynote address on security and civil liberties in America.

(Cleveland, Ohio, 5/24/04) The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Ohio Chapter, Cleveland Office hosted its 2nd annual dinner entitled Muslims in America:“A Defining Moment.” Dr. David Cole, constitutional scholar and immigrants’ rights attorney from Georgetown University Law Center spoke on security and civil rights in post-9/11 America. Nihad Awad, founder and Executive Director of CAIR, asked Muslims to work for a better future by becoming socially and politically active.

The event, held at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel in Downtown Cleveland, was a sell-out with more than 400 people in attendance, including members of the Muslim community, public officials, and concerned citizens from Northern Ohio. Read More

Scarves for Unity

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March
11

In show of solidarity with Muslims, female students at Cleveland State University to wear Muslim headscarves in support of freedom of religion

(Cleveland, OH 3/11/04) – The Muslim Student Association of Cleveland State University will hold a “Scarves for Unity” event today in which non-Muslim female students at Cleveland State will wear hijabs (headscarves) in a show of solidarity with Muslims in the United States and around the world. The event will consist of a panel discussion on the significance of the hijab (headscarf) for Muslim women, as well as the impact of recent legislation passed in France to ban outward religious displays in public schools. A question-and-answer session will follow.

When: TODAY! Thursday, March 11, 2004

Time: 5:00 pm-7:00 pm

Where: Cleveland State University; University Center, 364

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U.S. MUSLIMS LEAVE FOR PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA

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January
28

(CLEVELAND, OHIO, 1/28/2004) – Thousands of American Muslims will soon take part in religious observances associated with the annual Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. Hajj is one of the “five pillars” of the Islamic faith. (The other pillars include a declaration of faith, daily prayers, offering regular charity, and fasting during the month of Ramadan.)

Pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey. When the main portion of the pilgrimage is completed, Muslims worldwide gather for communal prayers on the first day (February 1*) of Eid ul-Adha (EED-al-ODD-ha), the second of the two major Muslim holidays.  Many Muslims in the Greater Cleveland Area will gather for a city-wide Eid prayer service on Sunday morning at 8:30 am at the Metro Campus of Cuyahoga Community College.

“Participating in the Hajj, perhaps the world’s most ethnically and racially diverse religious event, is a high point of any Muslim’s life,” said Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Washington-based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group. To the Chairman of the newly opened Cleveland Office of CAIR, “Hajj is an annual spiritual journey that Muslims from all over the globe undertake to glorify one God, asking for forgiveness and mercy.”

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CAIR-OHIO HONORED WITH ACLU LIBERTY’S FLAME AWARD

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October
26

(CLEVELAND, OH, 10/26/2003) – On October 25, 2003, the Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations was awarded the ACLU Liberty’s Flame Award for its civil rights work on behalf of Muslims in America. The prestigious award was given to CAIR at the ACLU of Ohio’s 30th Annual Civil Liberties Awards Presentation. At the event, which marked the second anniversary of the passage of the USA Patriot Act, the ACLU honored CAIR-Ohio for its “action and courage defending the civil liberties of Muslims, immigrants and of all Americans in a time of national crisis.”

Accepting the award was Dr. Ahmad Al-Akhras, President of the Ohio Chapter of CAIR. “During these trying times,” Dr. Al-Akhras said, “when many of our basic rights have been trampled on, and when many voices have been intimidated to speak up, this award comes as a solace to us telling us that we are on the right path.”

Crediting his dedicated board, staff, and corps of tireless volunteers, Dr. Al-Akhras said, “Over the past five and a half years, CAIR-Ohio has been working very hard to make it a reality that Muslims, like everyone else in America, have basic rights.” He said that since 9/11, CAIR’s work has become even more challenging because the profiling and discrimination faced by Muslims in the past has now become institutionalized in measures such as the Patriot Act.

Despite the difficulties, Dr. Al-Akhras felt confident that those dedicated to CAIR’s mission would prevail. He said that CAIR-Ohio’s work reflected what Gandhi had said about bringing change: “First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. Then you win.” He thanked the ACLU for supporting CAIR and for working to ensure that the constitutional protections enshrined in the Bill of Rights apply to all.

Also honored that evening with the Liberty’s Flame Award was Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS) for their “tireless dedication to improving the lives of refugees and immigrants with compassion and support for their rights, in a climate of intolerance and fear.” Professor David Harris, Balk Professor of Law and Values at the University of Toledo College of Law, gave a keynote speech on how the USA Patriot Act violates the fundamental separation of powers enshrined in the US Constitution.

CONTACT: Julia A. Shearson, 216.830.2247 or 216.440.2247, E-Mail: jshearson@cair.com; Dr. Ahmad Al-Akhras, 614.989.5916; Ibrahim Hooper, 202.488.8787 or 202.744.7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com

© Copyright 2017 CAIR-Ohio