(CLEVELAND, OH, 12/26/23) – The Cleveland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) today urged community members to report bias incidents after the civil rights organization received multiple reports of an alleged physical attack on pro-Palestinian Christmas carolers in Cleveland’s Public Square.
CAIR-Cleveland said the carolers were reportedly advocating for Palestinian human rights near the ice-skating rink in Public Square when a woman allegedly shouted, “F*** your genocide.” When one of the carolers reportedly replied that children were dying, the woman allegedly plunged toward one of the carolers and pulled her hair.
One of the Christmas carolers told CAIR-Ohio: “I got hit by one of the males that were with the original attacker. I was hit in my head, and I injured my knee due to one of the guys pushing me to the ground. I believe another person with me was injured in her neck as well.”
According to the carolers, the Cleveland Police Department arrested the alleged attacker.
CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Executive Director Faten Odeh said:
“No American should face violence or intimidation for speaking up for the human rights of anyone. But unfortunately, in the current political climate, those who support the right of the Palestinian to live in freedom in their homeland face such bigoted attacks nationwide.”
She noted that other CAIR chapters nationwide have responded to similar attacks and discrimination against those advocating for Palestinian rights.
Video: CAIR-SFBA Responds to 2nd Hate Attack on Protesters Hanging Pro-Palestine Banners
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Maryland Union’s Support for Teachers Punished for Pro-Palestine Views
CAIR Received ‘Staggering’ 2,171 Complaints Over Past Two Months (Video)
CAIR-Chicago Calls on CPS to Expedite Probe of Bullying Incident (Video)
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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 office in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & North Executive Director Faten, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247