(CLEVELAND, OH, 12/4/23) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OH) today condemned an apparent anti-Palestinian vandalism targeting the Algebra Teahouse, a well-known cafe in Cleveland’s University Circle.
Ayman Alkayali, owner of Algebra Teahouse said the front of his teahouse was covered in blue and white colored glitter and confetti Stars of David. He said he has had to file police reports three times in the past two months, the first time when an apparently pro-Israel extremist entered the shop and “physically put his hands on” his son. Alkayali said the second incident occurred when the same agitator drove past his business “slowly with an Israeli flag hanging outside of his anti-Palestinian propaganda clad van” while recording customers and “making them feel uncomfortable.”
The Algebra Teahouse owner believes there is an effort from anti-Palestinian extremists to make him lose business, “They are trying to destroy my business because we have a Palestinian flag outside of our establishment and most of my customers are pro-Palestinian. Algebra Teahouse has been a center for students community members and intellectuals. We’ve been hosting book readings about Palestine and have been a welcoming space for activists,” Alkayali said.
Alkayali reported to CAIR-Ohio’s Cleveland office that these efforts to bring down his business has taken form online as well, “There have been false reviews made about my teahouse all over social media in the attempts to make me lose business, but thanks to God, the opposite has happened, I have gotten a lot busier.”
In a statement, CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh said:
“To destroy the opportunities of Palestinians from the diaspora to earn a livelihood and live out their lives in peace and dignity in a place they call home, a simple thing that is not afforded to them in their original home country due to the deadly Israeli occupation, is unacceptable. CAIR-Ohio calls on the Law Enforcement of University Circle to investigate these allegations and to help put a stop to the targeting of Arabs, Palestinians, Muslims, and all people who have been targeted simply for advocating for human rights for Palestinians.”
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.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247