(CLEVELAND, OH, 11/22/23) – The Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) today welcomed the City of Akron passing a ceasefire in Gaza resolution. Akron joined other cities across the United States in passing a ceasefire resolution for Gaza.

This comes after weeks of Akronites attending Monday night Akron City Council meetings demanding the City of Akron stand against genocide and call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Faheem Shaikh, Vice President of CAIR-Cleveland stated, “The resolution passed unanimously, 11-0. We worked closely with the Akron City Council and leaders from the Jewish Community on the resolution.”

Amira Zayed, an advocate and resident of Akron said, “People are dying, and suffering every minute. We must look at it from a human aspect. All lives matter.”

Council Representative Shammas Malik said, “We owe it to our community to recognize events even when they are going on overseas…We have a situation in Gaza in which over 12,000 people have been killed including many, many children and it is an ongoing crisis and one in which this resolution urges a ceasefire along with the release of hostages…I think that’s an important step to the ongoing humanitarian crisis that’s going on.”

This news comes as many Cleveland residents continue to meet at Monday night Cleveland City Council meetings to urge the City of Cleveland to do the same after two prominent Cleveland leaders, Blaine Griffin and Mayor Justin Bibb expressed their support on social media for Israel shortly after the events on Oct. 7th.

CAIR-Cleveland Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh congratulated the residents of Akron for their efforts and success, “I am so proud of the organizers and the members of Akron City Council who made the passing of this ceasefire resolution possible. Your steadfast efforts for the suffering people of Gaza, will echo across cities in the United States and reach the victims of this cruel humanitarian crisis caused by Israel. One-by-one, city-by-city, the evil that has taken so many lives will be dismantled as humanity prevails across culture, faiths and any other barriers that have divided us in the past. We cannot bring back the more than 12,000 lives that have been taken, but we can use our voices to not let their deaths and their suffering go in vain.”

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 Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247

 

(CLEVELAND, OH, 11/9/23) – The Cleveland and Northern Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on Mayor Justin Bibb to address an alleged threat reportedly made by Cleveland Cavaliers co-owner Gary Gilbert targeting J-Town Action & Solidarity.

SEE ALLEGED THREAT.  

J-Town Action & Solidarity (J-Town), a grassroots collective building community power in Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, allegedly received threats to their X account from Gilbert over its Palestinian solidarity and its post to protest Gal Gadot’s screening of a film on the Israeli military.

Gilbert reportedly sent a private message to J-Town stating, “We will be armed and ready for you cowardly punks this Wednesday. We’re armed and ready for you punks. We don’t have an ounce of fear.”

Faten Odeh, CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Interim Executive Director said, “We call on law enforcement authorities and Mayor Justin Bibb to address Cleveland Cavaliers co-owner Gary Gilbert’s alleged threat of violence. The dehumanization of the Palestinian people must stop.”

The Council on American-Islamic Relations encourages those experiencing acts of aggression, racism, and Islamophobia to call their local CAIR offices and report these incidents.

SEE: Guidance for Students Targeted in Response to Palestine Rights Advocacy 

SEE ALSO: CAIR’s Report an Incident Form 

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-Cleveland Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247

(CLEVELAND, OH, 11/8/23) – The Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on law enforcement authorities to investigate a bloody decapitated doll reportedly left at a home in Sylvania, Ohio, flying a Palestinian flag as a possible hate crime.

 

On Monday, Nov. 7, around 12 p.m., a decapitated doll covered in what appeared to be in fake blood was found on display by the owner of the home under the hanging Palestinian flag on the yard.

 

SEE PHOTO

 

The alleged victims of this anti-Palestinian incident reported to CAIR-Cleveland that their yard leads to a main road and their doorbell footage was unable to reach the location of where the incident took place. The alleged victims reported the incident to Sylvania Police Department who then advised the family to be careful.

 

Faten Odeh, CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Interim Executive Director said:

 

“We call on state, local and federal law enforcement authorities to monitor and investigate crimes related to the rising Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism. We hope the Sylvania Police Department will do its due diligence in collecting all the information they need to identify the perpetrator and to consider bringing a hate crime charge. We should all feel safe in our neighborhoods and be able to display our heritage without fear of hate-filled retaliation from our neighbors.” 

 

This incident is still under investigation and the owners of the home are asking for anyone who has any information or footage to please call the Sylvania Police Department at 419-885-8902.

 

Washington, D.C., based CAIR has documented a spike in reported bias incidents since the escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine on Oct. 7.

 

Video: CAIR Reports Sharp Spike in Harassment, Bias and Violence Targeting American Muslims  

 

The Council on American-Islamic Relations encourages those experiencing acts of aggression, racism, and Islamophobia to call their local CAIR offices and report these incidents.

 

SEE: Guidance for Students Targeted in Response to Palestine Rights Advocacy 

SEE ALSO: CAIR’s Report an Incident Form 

 

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-Cleveland Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247

(CLEVELAND, OH, 11/1/23) – The Cleveland and Northern Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) today called on the Strongsville City School District to increase efforts to educate staff and faculty about the dangers of Islamophobia after an anti-Muslim statement was written at a school in the district.

On Tuesday, Oct. 31, CAIR-Cleveland was contacted by several Strongsville City School parents about insensitive and inaccurate statement about Islam in global studies written on the board by a teacher. Students and parents were outraged by the statements written on the board in what was told to a parent by the school principal to be a lesson on Pakistan and India, not about the current events in the Middle East.

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

“This statement written on the board by the teacher rooted in Islamophobia is an issue that runs deeper than just this one incident. CAIR-Ohio has partnered up with OPAWL and other coalition partners to make it law in the state of Ohio that social studies curriculum be reflective of the students in Ohio classrooms. We are pushing for HB171, Educating for Ohio’s Future to be passed into law. 

“In addition to our efforts at the Statehouse, CAIR-Cleveland has partnered up with Cleveland State University’s CARE Research Lab to uncover how high school social studies textbooks used across Northeast Ohio teach about Islam and Arabs. What the research has found is there is a distinct narrative that Muslims and Arabs are the enemy of Americans and American values and even though we know that is not true, this is the story that is being taught in our kids’ schools. This is the root of the problem.”

CAIR-Cleveland reached out to the Superintendent of Strongsville City Schools, a school district with a large population of Muslim students via telephone and email.

In the email Odeh wrote,” I request that a thorough and transparent investigation be conducted to ascertain the facts surrounding this incident…It is crucial that our schools remain safe spaces where all students, regardless of their background, can learn and thrive without fear of discrimination or prejudice.”

According to the Superintendent, the teacher has been placed on administrative leave and counselors have been made available for students who feel they have been harmed by this incident.

Odeh said in an interview with Fox News, ” To focus on the educator alone would be an injustice to the students, education, and society. Instead of further reprimanding the teacher, we would like to place the responsibility on Strongsville City Schools to address the underlying issue for the need of proper training, education and resources for teachers and staff. I have offered my assistance in my capacity as a CAIR representative and as someone who has a background as a social studies teacher. I hope families understand that instead of focusing on this one individual we need to focus on the bigger issue for a longer lasting effect. I am proud of the students for speaking up and we need to continue our advocacy through taking ownership of our childrens’ education. This can take form in many different ways like being a part of the committee that chooses the textbooks for the school, attending important curriculum meetings and advocating to our lawmakers to do better by our students and our teachers.”  

CAIR encourages those experiencing acts of aggression, racism, and Islamophobia to call their local CAIR offices and report these incidents.

CAIR has also released a guide for students facing Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian bigotry in schools in the aftermath of the Israeli government’s assault on Gaza.

SEE: CAIR’s Guide for Students Speaking Out Against Islamophobia and for Palestinian Rights

SEE: Guidance for Students Targeted in Response to Palestine Rights Advocacy – Islamophobia

SEE ALSO: CAIR’s Report an Incident Form 

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-Cleveland Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247

(CLEVELAND, OH, 10/23/23) – The Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) today called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate an alleged vehicular assault on a Palestinian-American man as a hate crime.

On Sunday afternoon, an individual in a dark SUV reportedly hit the 20-year-old victim while he was walking on Cook Road on the border of Olmsted Falls and North Ridgeville.

The victim of the reported hit and run said he was walking home from eating lunch when a car slowed down and rolled down the window. The driver of the car allegedly started yelling at him using anti-Palestinian statements like “Kill all Palestinians,” “Long live Israel,” as he swerved his car to intimidate the victim. The driver then allegedly turned around and hit the man while shouting “DIE!”

He was transferred by EMS to St. John Westshore Hospital for his injuries.

Faten Odeh, CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Interim Executive Director said:

“We call on state, local and federal law enforcement authorities to monitor and investigate crimes related to the rising Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism. We hope the North Ridgeville Police Department and the FBI will collect all the information they need to charge this individual with a hate crime. We should all feel safe to walk down the street to grab a bite to eat, go to the store and go to school.” 

The Council on American-Islamic Relations encourages those experiencing acts of aggression, racism, and Islamophobia to call their local CAIR offices and report these incidents.

SEE ALSO: CAIR’s Report an Incident Form 

If you have any information about this incident, call the North Ridgeville Police Department at 440-327-2191.

BACKGROUNDER ON INCREASED ANTI-MUSLIM BIGOTRY SINCE ESCALATION OF MIDEAST VIOLENCE

CAIR and its affiliates nationwide have documented an increase in incidents of anti-Muslim bigotry in the weeks following the escalation of violence in Gaza.

CAIR-Philadelphia called for a hate crime investigation into an alleged vandalism that targeted United Muslim Islamic Center (UMIC), a South Philadelphia Islamic center.

CAIR-Ohio condemned the derogatory and offensive comments directed at State Representative Munira Abdullahi, Ohio’s first and only female Muslim legislator. Representative Abdullahi, a respected member of the Ohio House, was subject to harmful comments following her lone dissent on a recent symbolic resolution expressing support for Israel.

CAIR-Chicago announced that hate crime charges were brought against a man who reportedly threatened to shoot two Muslim men after allegedly shouting anti-Muslim statements.

CAIR-SFBA recently condemned a verbal assault on a Muslim woman on her way to pick up her daughter from school.

 

SEE: Video: CAIR-SFBA Condemns Possible Hate Crime Targeting Muslim Woman

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/video-cair-sfba-condemns-possible-hate-crime-targeting-muslim-woman/

On Oct. 17, CAIR-LA condemned an attack targeting students at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) while they attended a virtual Palestine Emergency Panel.

SEE: CAIR-LA Condemns Attacks Against Pro-Palestine UCLA Students, Calls for Investigation and Ban by School

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-la-condemns-attacks-against-pro-palestine-ucla-students-calls-for-investigation-and-ban-by-school/

On Oct. 16, CAIR-LA condemned an attack targeting pro-Palestinian protesters during a demonstration in West Los Angeles.

SEE: CAIR-LA Condemns Attack on Pro-Palestinian Protesters in Los Angeles

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-la-condemns-attack-on-pro-palestinian-protesters-in-los-angeles/

On Oct. 16, CAIR called on law enforcement authorities to investigate a threatening message sent to an Oregon Islamic organization as a possible hate crime.

SEE: CAIR Calls for Hate Crime Probe of ‘Die Muslims Die’ Message to Oregon Islamic Organization

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-calls-for-hate-crime-probe-of-die-muslims-die-message-to-oregon-islamic-organization/

On Oct. 15, CAIR-Chicago decried the reported stabbing death of a six-year-old Palestinian-American boy and the stabbing of his mother.

SEE: BREAKING: CAIR-Chicago Calls for Hate Crime Charge for ‘You Muslims Must Die’ Killing of Palestinian-American Child

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/breaking-cair-chicago-calls-for-hate-crime-charge-for-you-muslims-must-die-killing-of-palestinian-american-child/

On Oct. 13, CAIR-Texas called for the arrest of several men seen harassing students at the University of Texas during a Palestine Solidarity Committee meeting on the recent violence and deaths in the Gaza Strip.

SEE: CAIR-Texas Calls for Campus Ban of Men who Harassed Students at U. Texas Palestinian Solidarity Meeting

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-texas-calls-for-campus-ban-of-men-who-harassed-students-at-u-texas-palestinian-solidarity-meeting/

Also on Oct. 13, CAIR-MI applauded the swift arrest of a Michigan resident who was allegedly making credible threats against Palestinians in Dearborn and calls on prosecutors to charge Farmington Hills resident with a hate crime under Michigan’s current Ethnic Intimidation Law.

SEE: CAIR-MI Welcomes Arrest of Person Allegedly Threatening to Shoot Palestinians in Dearborn, Calls for Hate Crime Enhancement

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-mi-welcomes-arrest-of-person-allegedly-threatening-to-shoot-palestinians-in-dearborn-calls-for-hate-crime-enhancement/

Also on Oct. 13, CAIR-Cleveland called for a hate crime investigation after an individual reportedly breached security protocols to gain unauthorized access to its office in an apparent attempt to disrupt the private event held by the civil rights organization.

SEE: CAIR-Cleveland Calls for Hate Crime Probe After Harasser Breaches Office

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-oh-calls-for-hate-crime-probe-after-harasser-breaches-office/

On Oct. 12, CAIR-NY condemned alleged anti-Palestinian attacks in Brooklyn and called on public officials and the media to end anti-Palestinian incitement.

SEE: CAIR-NY Condemns Anti-Palestinian Attacks in Brooklyn, Urges Officials and Media to End Anti-Palestinian Incitement

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ny-condemns-anti-palestinian-attacks-in-brooklyn-urges-officials-and-media-to-end-anti-palestinian-incitement/

On Oct. 11, CAIR-Chicago reported a spike in hate calls/emails, and community concern outreach since the outbreak of violence in the Middle East.

SEE: CAIR-Chicago Reports Spike in Hate Messages, Community Concerns Received After Outbreak of Mideast Violence

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-chicago-reports-spike-in-hate-messages-community-concerns-received-after-outbreak-of-mideast-violence/

Also on Oct. 11, CAIR’s Maryland office condemned growing reports it is receiving of Muslim and Arab students experiencing harassment and intimidation in public high schools and on college and university campuses.

SEE: CAIR’s Maryland Office Condemns Growing Reports of Muslim, Arab Students Harassed on School and College Campuses

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cairs-md-office-condemns-growing-reports-of-muslim-arab-students-harassed-on-school-and-college-campuses/

On Oct. 10, CAIR-MA called on law enforcement authorities to investigate vandalism targeting a sign for Palestinian and Islamic organizations in Boston as a possible hate crime.

SEE: BREAKING: CAIR-MA Calls for Hate Crime Probe of ‘Nazis’ Vandalism Targeting Boston Palestinian, Islamic Sign

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/breaking-cair-ma-calls-for-hate-crime-probe-of-nazi-vandalism-targeting-boston-palestinian-islamic-sign/

 

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-Cleveland Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247

(CLEVELAND, OH, 10/18/23) –  On Monday, Oct. 16th, the Cleveland office of the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) joined community members from across organizations, cultures and faiths banded together to confront Cleveland leaders about their unwavering support for Israel.

Two prominent Cleveland leaders, Blaine Griffin and Mayor Justin Bibb expressed their support on social media for Israel shortly after the events on Oct. 7th. During the public comment portion, residents from across Cleveland took to the microphone for their three-minute allowance to address members of Cleveland City Council led by the City Council President, Blaine Griffin, Mayor Justin Bibb was in attendance.

Watch the Meeting Here

CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh took to the microphone first stating:

“ I am here to address the hurtful one-sided statements about the tragedy in the Middle East coming from some of our Cleveland leadership. To state that “Cleveland stands with Israel,” is not only a gross misuse of your position as a civil servant but a complete disregard of the tens of thousands of Palestinian-Americans who reside right here in Greater Cleveland-your constituents in which you bear a responsibility to. I have come to the conclusion that you must not know what is really happening because any decent human being with a soul would never make such absolute, direct statements of support for such a violent military regime without talking about the human cost exacted by the civilians across the region.”

Odeh continued to address the city’s purchase of Israeli bonds:

“Not only are your one-sided statements in support for occupation and oppression of millions of people cruel, but the allocation of tax dollars also paid by us-Palestinian Americans are being used to purchase millions of dollars in Israeli bonds. Cleveland is paying for the thousands of illegal settlements and outposts on stolen Palestinian land in violation of international law.”

Omar Kurdi, President of the Arab Americans of Cleveland-Young Professionals Network (AAC) addressed City Council, stating:

“I come to you not with joy, but with sadness, and disappointment. Sad because of all the violence taking place in Palestine and Israel. Disappointed, because, while the city condemns Hamas’s attack on Israel, there was no mention of the violence Palestinians in Gaza are going through today and have been going through since the siege began in 2007. Palestinians have been going through bullying, racism, displacement, and an occupation since 1948. This isn’t a 10-day conflict, this is a decades-long occupation.”

Kurdi also addressed the increase in Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian incidents:

“I should not fear for losing my job, or for my life, for simply demanding that Palestinian innocent lives be given the same amount of concern, love, mourning, and outrage as Israeli lives. If humanity is what you stand for, do something, demand a ceasefire, and stop this cycle of violence while also protecting us here, in our home of choosing.”

Abbas Hamideh, of Al-Awada was joined by his daughter Haneen Hamideh and they each gave their own statements, addressing the devastating destruction the Palestinians in Gaza are currently facing.

Speakers also included Summer Husein and Amina Hamdan. Organizations in attendance included, Cleveland Peace Action, Jewish Voice for Peace, the Arab American Voter Project, OPAWL and Arab Americans of Cleveland.

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 Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247

(CLEVELAND, OH, 10/13/23) – The Cleveland Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) is calling for a hate crime investigation after an individual reportedly breached security protocols to gain unauthorized access to its office in an apparent attempt to disrupt the private event held by the civil rights organization.

The individual, has a documented history of alleged Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian harassment, was subsequently removed by law enforcement.

That same person has faced consequences for his actions, including reportedly being banned from institutions such as Cleveland State University (CSU) and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), and being the subject of at least one restraining order.

The individual filmed CAIR-Ohio staff and volunteers with his phone and verbally abused them, calling them “terrorists.” He gained access to the area by tailgating into a private elevator without authorization.

“We urge state, local, and federal law enforcement to monitor and investigate crimes related to the increasing Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism,” said the Interim Executive Director of the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio. 

BACKGROUNDER:  

A CAIR-Cleveland Board member recounted the incident,

“The individual showed up and accosted people attempting to use the restricted elevator. He called me a ‘terrorist’ and said I would ‘kill and rape’ him if given the opportunity. A person with access to the elevator opened the elevator, and the individual followed them in. I immediately instructed him to exit the elevator because entry to upper floors required special access that he did not have. I explained that the police would be called if he did not comply. He refused and went in search of the event. I immediately called the police out of concern for the safety of our staff and volunteers.” 

The volunteer trapped in the elevator with the individual reported that the individual verbally harassed her and filmed her without permission.

The Board member continued:

“The individual was aggressive and attempted to push his way into the CAIR Office. Volunteers prevented his entry, and they were able to get the door locked and secured.”

CAIR-Cleveland’s staff members kept a close eye on the individual until the police arrived and removed the trespasser from the area.

This incident occurs amidst a concerning rise in racism and Islamophobia affecting Palestinian and Muslim community members.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations encourages those experiencing acts of aggression, racism, and Islamophobia to call their local CAIR offices and report these incidents.

SEE: Guidance for Students Targeted in Response to Palestine Rights Advocacy 

SEE ALSO: CAIR’s Report an Incident Form 

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

(CLEVELAND, OH, 10/12/23) – On Wednesday, Oct. 11, the Cleveland office of the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) was joined by members of the interfaith community to address the recent surge of violence in the Middle East.

Organizations who joined CAIR-Ohio include Cleveland Peace Action, Jewish Voice for Peace, the Center for Jewish Nonviolence, Teatime for Peace, Al Awada, The Palestine Breakfast Club, Horizon Science Academy and the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

Addressing the press, CAIR-Ohio Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh said:

“As a Muslim, it’s important for me to say from the start that we value all human life and when innocent people die it is indeed a tragedy. The violence that erupted on Saturday is not without context. Anyone who has taken a history class knows there is always a cause to an effect. Saturday’s event is a response to the cruel and brutal oppression and illegal occupation that the Palestinians have been enduring for decades from the Israeli Apartheid state.”

Dr. Shereen Naser, founding member of the Palestine Breakfast Club and member of the Palestinian Christian community said,

“One day, I will take my children to the small church where my father was baptized as a small child, where there great grandparents harvested olives and ran a small sandwich shop, one day I will take them through the beautiful roads that my parents walked with me hand in hand, showing me the beautiful land and the beautiful people of Palestine. I hope that day we will walk with equal rights in peace, side-by-side, able to thrive and live joyously and free of the routine violence of Israel.”

Dr. Shutkin of Jewish Voice for Peace and the Center for Jewish Nonviolence said:

 “As a nonviolent Jewish activist, it is my responsibility to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with my Palestinian friends and partners resisting for a just future where Palestinians and Jews live with freedom and dignity.”

Speakers urged local organizations, sports teams, and public officials to cease with their one-sided statements in support of Israel, whilst there are tens of thousands of Palestinian Clevelanders they have chosen to disregard.

CAIR-Ohio Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh said:

“They have turned a blind eye to the denial of the basic human rights and dignity of the of Palestinian people and the right to return of the Palestinian refugees to their homes and land, which should be guaranteed to them under international law. Why are we Palestinian Clevelanders and the suffering of our families not included in these statements of compassion, solidarity, and sympathy. Are we not human too? One must speak up for all innocent human lives because selective morality is immorality.”

Speakers also included Don Bryant with Cleveland Peace Action, Steve Ritchey with Teatime for Peace and Chance Zurub, Civil Rights attorney with CAIR-Ohio.

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-Cleveland Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/9/23) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is responding to the ongoing situation in Israel and Gaza by urging all Americans to reach out to their respective members of Congress and request the following actions:

• Acknowledge the loss of lives and recognize the humanity on both sides, including Israelis and Palestinians.
• Express support for an immediate ceasefire.
• Demand the United States to reassert its leadership role as a negotiator in pursuit of a lasting peace. This entails addressing the root causes of violence, terminating Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, and ending the Israeli government’s apartheid policies.

CLICK HERE: CONTACT YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS NOW! 

The key to achieving enduring peace remains addressing Israel’s unlawful occupation of Palestinian lands, apartheid state policies, and the ongoing violations of Palestinian human rights.

“We call upon Congress to endorse the appeal for an immediate ceasefire and to leverage its influence in advocating for a just and enduring peace that encompasses an end to the occupation and the establishment of a permanent solution that respects the rights and dignity of all people,” said CAIR Director of Government Affairs Department Robert S. McCaw. “The Israeli government has for decades utilized American taxpayer funds to support its apartheid occupation and perpetrate human rights violations against Palestinian civilians. Congress cannot permit this to persist if we genuinely aspire to secure a lasting peace.”

CAIR believes that the world cannot return to a status quo in which Israeli human rights abuses continually increase, Palestinian rights decrease, and Palestinian men, women and children die without any public notice until a war breaks out.  Our nation must impartially intervene to end this violence before more innocent people die.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (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.

END

CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com

(CLEVELAND, OH, 10/5/23) – On Monday, September 19th, the Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) joined Advocate Greater Cleveland for the Community Resource Fair in celebration of National Voter Registration Day.

Many other organizations joined the fair such as the Cuyahoga County Department of Sustainability, the Neighborhood Leadership Institute, and Asian Services in Action.

The fair was a collective effort aimed at celebrating National Voter Registration Day- an event to mobilize the community. Attendees had the opportunity verify and update their voter registration, apply for an absentee ballot, and register to vote as well as grab complementary boba tea and Chinese dessert. The event had a variety of featured exhibitors from different cultures and backgrounds in the effort to unite the community.

This event was fueled by Cleveland VOTES Civic Engagement Fund, which aims to propel efforts to realize an equitable democracy. Advocate Greater Cleveland, the Arab American Voter Project, M-PAC, the Young Latino Network and CAIR-Ohio, are among the several partners of Cleveland VOTES this year to increase mobilization of the Greater Cleveland community.

Faten Odeh, the Interim Executive Director of CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland, Chance Zurub, Staff Attorney, Gia Hamed, Intern, and Arselan Rekhif, Administrative Assistant were among the members of CAIR-Ohio who participated in the event.

Interim Executive Director of CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland, Faten Odeh said:

“This past summer, CAIR-Ohio Cleveland was one of the organizations awarded a grant from Cleveland VOTES to help mobilize the community in the hopes to create a more equitable democracy. Since then, we’ve sent out more than six thousand Get-Out-the-Vote (GOTV) postcards, we registered scores of new voters, created our own voter guide to help inform the community of new guidelines, and produced a (GOTV) video incorporating several languages. The Community Resource Fair was a continuation of these efforts and I really enjoyed meeting new faces and helping people get ready for the upcoming 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
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-Cleveland Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247