(CLEVELAND, OH, 6/8/06) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OHIO), Cleveland office recently helped coordinate local Muslim community volunteers to provide comfort and support for an Iraqi boy who was brought to Cleveland for medical treatment.

The treatment undergone at the Cleveland Clinic was made possible through arrangements by the Iraqi Assistance Center under the auspices of the US Military. Transport and logistics were provided by the Michigan/Ohio Chapter of Healing the Children, a humanitarian organization dedicated to providing medical care to children in need from throughout the world. Also assisting in “Project Omar,” named after the little boy, was Rotary International, the Iraqi Medical Sciences Association (IMSA-USA), and the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Cleveland Office.

CAIR’s role was to assist by arranging volunteers to help the Iraqi family feel welcome, comfortable and supported during their stay. CAIR arranged for Muslim community volunteers to provide Iraqi meals, take the family shopping and to community events, and many other services. According to medical providers, such support services are invaluable in the recovery and healing process.

CAIR Chapters in Ohio, Michigan and New Jersey are actively involved in this beneficial and expanding program.

To assist in helping children from Iraq or on other CAIR projects, please contact the Cleveland office at 216.830.2247 or events@cleveland.cair.com.