CAIR-Ohio, JVP say Cleveland City Council President Ignores Jewish Residents Calling for a Ceasefire

(CLEVELAND, OH, 1/30/24) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) and the Cleveland chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) today said that Cleveland City Council President, Blaine Griffin is ignoring the wishes of many Jewish residents by stating that he would not support a ceasefire resolution until ceasefire supporters meet with members of the Jewish community, despite having heard from several members of the Cleveland Jewish community in support for a ceasefire in Gaza.

For more than 11 consecutive weeks, Clevelanders have been showing up for public comment at Cleveland City Hall. What started as an outcry against public statements of support for Israel made by Mayor Justin Bibb and Councilman Blaine Griffin turned into pleas for a ceasefire resolution as more than 30,000 civilians have been murdered by Israel’s genocide on Gaza.

Last night, president of Cleveland City Council, Blaine Griffin released a statement that he would not entertain the idea of a ceasefire resolution until conversations are had between ceasefire advocates and the Jewish community. He introduced the conflict as “ancient”.

Many members of the Cleveland Jewish community are outraged by Councilman Griffin’s statement. Many expressed feelings of being ignored and devalued as members of the Jewish community.

Eric Resnick, member of Jewish Voice for Peace Cleveland stated,

“I stand in support of this call for a ceasefire and I do so unequivocally. As a Jew myself, I do not stand in solidarity with Israel. Many Jews do not stand in solidarity with Israel. Many Clevelanders do not stand in solidarity with Israel. Some Clevelanders have lost family and friends to Israel’s unconscionable bombing campaign against the civilians of Gaza, and I stand in solidarity with them. Bibb and Griffin seem to think it is okay to use their official capacity to dehumanize Clevelanders with Palestinian roots and treat them as Israel treats Palestinians. Shame on them.”

Estelle Raskin a member of Jewish Voice for Peace and resident of Ward 15, stated,

“Griffin’s statement that the council’s passing a ceasefire resolution is predicated on “Palestinians sitting down with the Jewish community” means other Jewish people, or to be more exact- the Jewish Federation. Many Cleveland Jews and Palestinians have already been meeting, sharing meals, and organizing together. Griffin’s comment is both misguided and discriminatory. It implies that organizations like the Jewish Federation define and hold jurisdiction over what it means to be an American Jew today. The president of Cleveland City Council is sanctifying the Federation’s political endorsement of normalized oppression and indiscriminate violence against Palestinians, while delegitimizing a whole spectrum of Jewish diversity and advocacy for human rights. I am one of many Cleveland Jews who has been asking for a ceasefire in Gaza, and I am aghast at this outright refusal to recognize Jewish voices that have been side-by-side with the Palestinians calling for the violence to stop. Shame on Griffin and city hall for being beholden to one organization in the face of a genocide of the Palestinian people. Now is a time to look beyond the precariousness of politics and to put something on the line. What can be more important than protecting the safety and dignity of all people?”

One of the most notable voices that echoed through the chambers of City Hall was Jewish Councilwoman Rebecca Maurer of Ward 12, who stated:

“For weeks I have sat in this chair and tried to watch the public commenters with a focus and intensity that I hope desperately would convey some of my shared anguish. I have written statements calling for a ceasefire and have had dozens of conversations with people on this topic from both sides of the wall but the truth is nothing is a substitute for saying the words in this council chambers despite weeks of trying it is clear to me this body will not pass a full ceasefire resolution or even give one the dignity of a vote if it is introduced.”

Video to Councilwoman Maurer’s Statement

Omar Kurdi, President of Arab Americans of Cleveland – Young Professionals Network said:

“For seven weeks, Arab Americans (Muslims and Christians) including Palestinian Americans, and other allies from the Cleveland community have asked Cleveland City Council to pass a ceasefire resolution. This resolution is not meant to solve any issue, it will not directly end the genocide in Gaza, but it would have been a clear recognition of our community’s pain, mourning, and hurt. For years, Cleveland has decorated itself as a city for all. However, and in the last few months, it truly felt like Cleveland is not accepting, welcoming, or respectful of its Arab and Muslim people. I personally have spoken in the City Council condemning violence against everyone, and calling on our city to humanize our community, increase protection for marginalized communities, and create a mechanism to combat Islamophobia, Xenophobia, and Antisemitism. What happened? A Palestinian and Muslim owned business got vandalized, Arab and Muslim students are being attacked and harassed, and I have fallen victim to online harassment. I personally met with Council President Blaine Griffin in private, and with other community leaders. I met with several council members. I sent countless emails. We shared the sentiments of our community in these meetings, but we were still ignored, and in some instances, forced to go routes that would have been emotionally damaging to our community to simply get a resolution that recognizes our community’s grief. I am disappointed with the council’s decision to not go forward with a resolution. I am even more disappointed with their sentiment that we are asking them to solve or comment on an international matter, when in reality, this is closer to home than ever. Cleveland City Council issued a resolution on Ukraine in four days. What makes Palestine different?“

CAIR Ohio Executive Director, Faten Odeh said:

“To ignore the voices of so many Clevelanders, who have come together for humanity to call for an end to the violence is beyond neglect for one’s duty as a leader. Councilman Griffin should acknowledge the voices of Cleveland Jewish residents that have been advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza for months and not ignore them in favor of one entity. “

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