(CLEVELAND, OH, 3/19/24) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) joined leaders of the Christian and Jewish faiths at Cleveland City Hall for an interfaith prayer and iftar, breaking of the fast.
Last night began at the steps of City Hall with an interfaith prayer led by Faten Odeh, Rabbi Miriam, and Dr. Shereen Naser.
Ceasefire advocates have been attending Monday night City Council for the past 16 consecutive meetings and have been met with countless restrictions and alleged civil rights violations.
On March 4th, the ceasefire advocates led their own passing of a ceasefire resolution under what they had formed as the People’s Council, a coalition of interfaith partners and community organizers. Under the People’s Council, the ceasefire resolution passed unanimously, however, they were quickly removed from the rotunda of Cleveland City Hall by law enforcement and threatened with citations.
CAIR-Ohio Staff Attorney, Chance Zurub stated, “For the past 16 weeks, we have built a community dedicated to coming out to Cleveland City Council who remains steadfast despite the restrictions the city has placed on us, whether that be limiting seating, closing down entire hallways, or removing us from publicly gathering. Just as our brothers and sisters in Gaza resist and remain steadfast despite the sheer amount of violence upon them, we will continue to come to Cleveland City Council demanding accountability and a resolution. We would not have been able to do this without the community’s support in sacrificing their Mondays to allow us to pass the People’s Resolution or by allowing us to share iftar together. The people of Cleveland are truly committed to Palestinian liberation and each Monday is a testament to this movement.”
CAIR-Ohio hand delivered letters to Mayor Bibb and Council President Griffin as well as emailed them to give notice of a religious accommodation that needed to be fulfilled, as many ceasefire advocates, attending Monday night City Council meetings would need to break their fast during the meetings.
CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh stated:
“I had hoped that Cleveland City Council would’ve given us a space to break our fast other than on the stairs of the foyer, but regardless of the area we were in, it was a beautiful sight to see with all the different communities and faiths coming together. As soon as the Muslims came out of their chambers they were met with members of the Christian, Jewish and other community members serving the fasting population of Muslims their iftar. Five different people made the main dish of mujadera and CAIR brought the salad to go with.”
Dr. Shereen Naser, a Palestinian Clevelander who led the Christian prayer stated, “When our elected officials refuse to protect us and care of our community, then we will step in and do it. Breaking fast and eating together was a reminder of the world that is possible. It also is a testament to our continued commitment to our cause.”
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