(CLEVELAND, OH, 4/29/24) – Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) joins hundreds of universities across the country in the encampment movement aimed at divestment from Israel in response to the atrocities on the people of Gaza over the past seven months.
The encampment began early this morning as hundreds of students gathered to take a stance against the CWRU’s investment in Israel as the total of murdered civilians has risen to nearly 40,000 with 14,000 being children. Of the survived children, 19,000 have been made orphans and there are still bodies unaccounted for as many are missing or under the ruble. Children of Gaza
In 2022, the Undergraduate Student Government voted in favor of a resolution which encouraged the university to investigate how its funds are invested in Israeli companies, the Case Western Reserve Observer reported. Students have reported to CAIR-Ohio alleged push-back and hostilities from the university.
Most recently, students involved in Students for Justice in Palestine (CWRU-SJP) have reported to CAIR-Ohio of alleged targeting from the administration for their Palestine advocacy resulting in the suspension of the student organization. Fines have been issued on some of the students. CAIR-Ohio and Palestine Legal have been working with the students to navigate this injustice.
CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh stated:
“CAIR-Ohio stands firmly with the students at Case Western Reserve University right to freedom of speech and expression. It is commendable for these young people to take a stand against their university’s support for the ongoing genocide committed by Israel on the people of Gaza. The students have tried diplomatic avenues and have been shut down by their administration on multiple levels. It is time that the administration at Case Western Reserve University adhere to what the students have been demanding for years and that is to immediately divest from a foreign entity that has been arguably committing the worst crimes this earth has ever witnessed. As a community, we must unequivocally support these students and the noble cause in which they have put everything on the line for.”
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, 216-440-2247.