(CLEVELAND, OH 2/20/2023) – The Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Ohio (CAIR-Ohio) today welcomed Cleveland State University’s (CSU) decision to ban an extremist anti-Palestinian rabbi from campus grounds after allegations that he repeatedly harassed students who advocate for Palestinian human rights.
SEE: Rabbi arrested, banned from Cleveland universities over his anti-Palestinian activism
SEE: Rabbi Popivker banned from CSU campus; plans to appeal
A Cleveland area rabbi, Alec Popivker has long caused concern at area universities because of his alleged harassment of Palestinian students. He has been accused of provoking protesters at local pro-Palestine demonstrations and allegedly cyber-harassing individuals with Palestinian roots or pro-Palestinian views online.
One such alleged online campaign against a CSU law student prompted the student to reportedly file an order of protection against Popivker last fall. Due to reported safety concerns, the court order was granted, but was allegedly violated by Popivker.
SEE: CSU PD arrested Popivker and removed him from campus grounds for violating a protection order
SEE: CSU silent on Alec Popivker’s return; persona non grata hearing
SEE: Cleveland State temporarily bans Alec Popivker; Persona non grata case pending
SEE: CSU courtyard regular arrested for violating protection order
On Jan. 25, Popivker was reportedly arrested by the CSU Police for allegedly violating a protection order filed against him by a CSU student.
On Instagram, Popivker reportedly admitted to stealing the banner belonging to CSU’s student organization Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights. This banner was stolen from CSU’s Student Center on January 11.
SEE: CSU PD investigating the theft of the Palestinian Human Rights student organization banner
In a statement, CAIR-Cleveland Interim Executive Director Faten Husni Odeh stated:
“We thank the administration at Cleveland State University for taking action to protect students from racist acts of intimidation and harassment. Free speech and protest rights should be protected in our country, including in a university setting, however, intimidation and harassment are not acceptable. No student, including those advocating for justice for Palestinians, should ever be made to feel unsafe in their learning environment due to harassment, stalking, or vandalism.”
In a statement, the Board of CSU’s Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights for Palestine said:
“Initially, we were frustrated with the lack of support and response from Cleveland State administrators, especially since these acts of harassment have occurred on our campus for several years.
“With the support of the Office of Institutional Equity, the Cauldron stories, and the theft of our banner, the school had no choice but to address the situation. We are still deeply disturbed by the events of harassment against the Arab, Muslim, and specifically Palestinian community, but are relieved to know that our students and communities are safe on campus for now.
“We appreciate the school replacing our organization’s banner and hope that they will issue a statement of support following the targeted events. Moreover, this could not have happened without the support and unification of students at Cleveland State.
“We hope that this occurrence and process will set a precedent against individuals who wish to disturb and violate the peace and education of college campuses (or any community), and that their harassment will not be tolerated.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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 Chapter Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, 216.830.2247, fodeh@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202.744.7726, ihooper@cair.com