(Cleveland, OH, 6/28/24) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations is proud to recognize the City Club of Cleveland’s recent forum, “Voices of Cleveland’s Palestinian Community,” which brought together key leaders to discuss the impact of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the broader challenges faced by the Palestinian community in Cleveland.
The forum, held on June 25, 2024, provided a platform for significant dialogue around the plight of Palestinians both locally and abroad. Speakers included Omar Kurdi, President of Arab Americans of Cleveland – Young Professionals Network, and Shereen Naser, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology at Cleveland State University. The event was moderated by Nadeen Abusada, a reporter for News 5 Cleveland.
Omar Kurdi stated, “As President of Arab Americans of Cleveland- Young Professionals Network, we are incredibly proud to have sponsored The City Club of Cleveland’s Panel featuring local Palestinian Voices. This historic event during this difficult time for Arab Americans marks the first time Palestinian and Arab Americans with Palestinian heritage have been invited to speak on Palestine in the club since the events of October 7th. Having this platform is crucial for fostering understanding and dialogue, and we deeply appreciate the opportunity. In a time when Arab Americans face hate and discrimination, receiving this recognition allows for a safer path forward towards equity and inclusivity in Cleveland and the nation. We eagerly anticipate future collaborations with The City Club of Cleveland.”
The forum highlighted the pressing issues faced by the Palestinian community, including the loss of over 36,000 lives in Gaza since October 7th, 2023. It also addressed the documented increase in anti-Arab, anti-Palestinian, and anti-Muslim hate incidents in the United States.
CAIR-Ohio Cleveland & Northern Ohio Executive Directors, Faten Odeh stated, “I am incredibly proud of the honesty and bravery of the panelists and moderator who participated in this historic event. My hope is that their courage to share their perspectives about Palestine encourages others to do the same. Decades of suppressing our feelings and perspectives on the occupation of Palestine for fear of retaliation has not helped the cause. It is time to break that silence.”
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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