CLEVELAND, OH – 3/5/25 – On April 28-29, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), in collaboration with the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), attended the 10th Annual National Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., with the theme “Defending Rights, Shaping Policy.” This year, CAIR-Ohio lead a Cleveland and Northern Ohio delegation joining hundreds from across the nation. The delegation was represented by Executive Director Faten Husni Odeh, along with staff members Gia Hamed and Jenna Muhieddine, and community members Selma Babiker and Misky Shaeye.
During the event, the delegation met with congressional offices to advocate for critical issues affecting Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian communities in the United States. Key areas of focus included protecting free speech and nonprofit advocacy rights amid growing legislative threats and McCarthy-style investigations, opposing discriminatory travel bans, and urging U.S. action to end genocide and human rights abuses in Gaza, Sudan, China (Xinjiang), and Burma (Myanmar). Additionally, the team called for support of key Muslim community legislation and emphasized the importance of empowering marginalized groups through policy reforms.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team for their dedication and powerful advocacy during Muslim Hill days,” said Faten Husni Odeh, Executive Director of CAIR-Ohio. “Our work on Capitol Hill is vital in raising awareness about the challenges our community faces. It’s essential that we continue to stand together and urge lawmakers to take action, creating a future where all communities are treated with dignity and respect.”
The CAIR-Ohio team, including Hamed, Muhieddine, Babiker, and Shaeye, engaged in thoughtful conversations with elected officials, sharing personal stories and providing insights into the urgent need for action on these issues.
“This experience reiterated the importance of engaging with our representatives. They have a duty to represent the interests of the people they represent and it’s our duty as Muslim American citizens to ensure our voices are heard ,” said Selma Babiker, community member and participant. “We are thankful for the opportunity to advocate for our rights and to urge Congress to take meaningful action on behalf of those who are suffering due to discriminatory policies and human rights violations.”
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.
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-OH Executive Director, Cleveland & Northern Ohio, Faten Odeh (216) 440-2247, fodeh@cair.com