CAIR-Cleveland & Northern Ohio

Category: Interfaith Event

  • More Than 400 Guests Attend CAIR-Cleveland Ramadan Iftar and Benefit

    More Than 400 Guests Attend CAIR-Cleveland Ramadan Iftar and Benefit

    (CLEVELAND, OH, 4/1/23) – On Saturday, April 1 the Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OHIO) held its 14th Annual Ramadan Iftar Banquet with members of the Muslim and interfaith communities.

    More than 400 guests attended the iftar, which was held at LaVilla Conference and Banquet Center in Cleveland, Ohio. (“Iftar” is the meal eaten after sunset each day during Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.)

    The guest speaker was CAIR National’s Board Chair Dr. Manal Fakhoury. Dr. Fakhoury is also the president and CEO of Fakhoury Leadership International. The CAIR-Cleveland & Northern Ohio chapter was honored to be the first chapter Dr. Fakhoury visited since becoming CAIR National’s board chair.

    Alauddin Alauddin, Vice President of Muslim Family Services of Ohio (MFSOH) and the evening’s inspirational speaker, urged attendees to continue to support CAIR’s work to challenge Islamophobia and protect civil rights.  

    Tessa Xuan, statewide co-director of OPAWL, shared information about the Multiracial Curriculum Campaign, which CAIR-Ohio is a coalition steering team member.

    In addition, CAIR presented their I-CAIR Volunteer of the Year Award to volunteers Nur and Zayna Makupson, the Social Justice Award to Dr. Shereen Naser, the Generosity Award to Holyland International Imports, and the Community Service Award to Dr. Simee & Masroor Malik. Outgoing Executive Director Julia Shearson was presented with the Above & Beyond Award for 20 years of her selfless dedication and service to the community.

    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

  • CAIR-Ohio Hosts World-Renowned Anti-Apartheid Leaders and International Peacebuilders  

    CAIR-Ohio Hosts World-Renowned Anti-Apartheid Leaders and International Peacebuilders  

    (CLEVELAND, OH, 2/1/2023) – The Cleveland Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland), along with members of Teatime for Peace, hosted a forum and dinner for two world-renowned anti-apartheid leaders and international peacebuilders on Friday, January 27.

    The two leaders, Mohammed Bhabha and Roelf Meyer and their delegation were visiting Cleveland as part of a lecture circuit hosted by organizations Civic Genius, Beyond Conflict and YOUnify. Both Bhabha and Meyer played significant roles in “ending conflict in South Africa – and are eager to help Americans apply their lessons learned to our current political crisis.”

    More than 20 guests from across faiths and backgrounds joined the intimate gathering at Rumi’s Market and Grill to ask questions and gain insight from the two leaders.

    CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Co-Founder and Board Member Isam Zaiem stated:

    “It was inspiring to learn about the experiences and successes of these two leaders from South Africa in their struggle to end apartheid. With America increasingly divided along racial and political lines, I gained hope that we, too, can heal our nation if people of opposing views can learn to look beyond their differences and put the common good and interests of future generations first and foremost.”

    “In addition to sharing their experiences at peacebuilding, the South African leaders also took a keen interest in the mission of our Teatime for Peace program,” said Humera Khan, CAIR Board Member and Teatime for Peace Steering Committee Co-Chair.

    Khan added: “Our mission is to bring together people of diverse belief systems and ethnic and racial backgrounds to engage in honest dialogue in order to counter the tendency toward ‘othering’ those who we perceive as being different. Our South African speakers felt they could gain from hosting Teatime for Peace events in their home country. The hope is if we share peace-building ideas and efforts across continents, we truly can make a difference.”

    In addition to attending our gathering, Bhabha and Meyer spoke at events hosted by Case Western Reserve University’s Social Justice Institute, the Cleveland City Club, and the Palestine Breakfast Club.

    SEE: “Bridging the Divide in Greater University Circle: Lessons from South Africa” 

    SEE: Lessons from South Africa: Moving Past Polarization and Intense Division in America 

    Roelf Meyer is known for his role as the South African government’s chief representative in the 1993 negotiations to end apartheid and establish a democratic country. He served in the cabinet of former President Nelson Mandela, and later became secretary-general of the National Party. In 1997 he co-founded the United Democratic Movement. Meyer consulted on international peace processes in Kosovo, Myanmar, Northern Ireland, and Rwanda, among others.

    Mohammed Bhabha is a former Member of Parliament, qualified attorney, and experienced negotiator. He was part of the African National Congress (ANC) team at the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA), and later as part of the agreements on the final South African Constitution. Mohammed has worked on transitional and constitutional support projects in Kenya, South Sudan, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Palestine, Bahrain, and Zimbabwe.

    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.

    Become a Fan of the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Facebook
    https://www.facebook.com/CAIRCleveland
    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s Twitter Feed
    https://twitter.com/CAIRCleveland
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    https://www.youtube.com/@caircleveland
    Follow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/cairohiocleveland/
    Donate to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio
    https://caircleveland.com/donate/

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    CONTACT:  CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Chapter Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, 216.830.2247, fodeh@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202.744.7726, ihooper@cair.com

  • CAIR-Ohio and Area Muslim Leaders Attend Interfaith Forum at Cuyahoga Community College

    CAIR-Ohio and Area Muslim Leaders Attend Interfaith Forum at Cuyahoga Community College

    (CLEVELAND, OHIO, 11-1-2022) – The Cleveland Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Ohio and members of Muslim leadership in greater Cleveland recently joined an interfaith luncheon forum hosted by the new President of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), Dr. Michael A. Baston.   Dr. Baston, a national thought leader in the fields of education, workforce development, and economic advancement, sought to leverage the voices of faith leaders in advancing social and economic justice in our region through promoting access to affordable high-quality education offered at community colleges such as Tri-C.

    At the forum, Dr. Baston, an inspirational faith leader in his own right, issued a clarion call to clergy and leaders of diverse faiths to center the message of education as a means to help congregants fulfill their human potential. He emphasized the centrality of education as a tool to promote sustainable and equitable regional development and as a means to prepare people for good paying jobs with benefits that allow them to build economic security and achieve lasting prosperity for their families.

    “Dr. Baston’s exemplary servant leadership and compassion are evident in his care and concern for the entire community and his insistence on leaving no one trapped behind the barriers of multi-generational poverty,” said Julia Shearson, CAIR-Ohio Cleveland Chapter Executive Director, who helped coordinate attendance of Muslim leaders at the event. “His message of inclusion and the need to lift all boats is especially critical in the Cleveland metropolitan area which faces stubborn disparities in terms of access to economic resources, high-quality education, and affordable childcare, housing, and healthcare.”

    To Learn more about the new Tri-C President, Dr. Michael A. Baston, click here.

    Click here to learn more about the breath of Tri-C’s educational services including more than 1,000 courses offered and more than 200 programs covering areas from career readiness and workforce development programs for high school students to their life-long learners and senior citizen programs.

    In keeping with the values of diversity and inclusion, Tri-C recently established a prayer space for Muslim students attending the main metropolitan campus.

    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 Executive Director Julia Shearson, 216.830.2247, jshearson@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202.744.7726, ihooper@cair.com

  • More Than 460 Guests Attend CAIR-Cleveland Ramadan Iftar and Benefit

    (CLEVELAND, OH, 4/11/22) – On Saturday, April 9 the Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OHIO) held its 13th Annual Ramadan Iftar Banquet with members of the Muslim and interfaith communities.

     More than 460 guests attended the iftar, which was held at LaVilla Conference and Banquet Center in Cleveland, Ohio. (“Iftar” is the meal eaten after sunset each day during Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.)

    The keynote speaker was law professor Khaled Beydoun, author of American Islamophobia: Understanding the Roots and Rise of Fear. Professor Beydoun discussed the ways Islamophobia manifests itself in US policies both at home and abroad and cautioned American Muslims to stay vigilant regarding the rising tide of hate against minorities in American.  

    Imam Johari Abdul Malik, a member of CAIR’s national board and the evening’s inspirational speaker, urged attendees to continue to support CAIR’s work to challenge Islamophobia and protect civil rights.  

    “The purpose of our Ramadan event is to help promote mutual understanding and harmony among all people,” said Dr. Ahmad Banna, president of the Cleveland Chapter of CAIR-Ohio.

    “After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, it was great to be able to host so many of our friends and gather financial support for our work,”  

    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 Executive Director Julia Shearson, 216.830.2247, jshearson@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202.744.7726, ihooper@cair.com

  • Two Faiths: One Spirit | Free Public Concert Series

    Two Faiths: One Spirit | Free Public Concert Series

    TWO FAITHS: ONE SPIRIT

    March 14 – 18, 2018

    From the Sarajevo Haggadah to the Courageous Librarians of Timbuktu

    A richly illuminated Jewish holy book known as the Sarajevo Haggadah is saved from the Nazis during WWII by an Imam who recognizes its historical, cultural and spiritual value and hides it under the mosque floor allowing it to be preserved to this day. A group of courageous librarians risk their lives to save Muslim manuscripts and literary treasures housed in Timbuktu from destruction by violent extremists with the help of Harvard Professor, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, a Christian from West Virginia whose African roots lead him to help save the rich historical legacy of his ancestral land.

    These two parallel stories of religiously significant documents saved with the help of people of different beliefs shows the indomitable nature of the human spirit and our instinct to work together preserve what is beautiful and good in the world.

    For more info:
    citymusiccleveland.org

    Avner Dorman conductor | Merima Ključo accordion

    BARDANASHVILI Elegy for Strings
    KLJUČO Sarajevo Haggadah: Music of the Book – World Premiere
    RANJBARAN Seven Passages COHEN Warzazat

    Wednesday, March 14, 7:30PM
    Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, 23737 Fairmount Boulevard, Beachwood
    Thursday, March 15, 7:30PM
    St. Jerome Church, 15000 Lake Shore Boulevard, Collinwood
    Friday, March 16, 11AM
    Cuyahoga County Library Auditorium, 2121 Snow Road, Parma
    Friday, March 16, 7:30PM
    Lakewood Congregational Church, 1375 West Clifton, Lakewood
    Saturday, March 17, 8PM
    St. Stanislaus Church, 3649 East 65th Street, Cleveland
    Sunday, March 18, 4PM
    St. Mary Parish, 320 Middle Avenue, Elyria

  • CAIR Reps Speak at Trinity Cathedral Forum on Civil Rights Issues Facing American Muslims

    CAIR Reps Speak at Trinity Cathedral Forum on Civil Rights Issues Facing American Muslims

    (CLEVELAND, OH, 11/27/17) – Representatives of the Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) recently presented on civil rights issues facing the Muslim community in America at the Dean’s Forum at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.

    The forum, which was moderated by The Rev. Dr. Paul L. Gaston III, Interim Dean of the Cathedral, was a part of a series of Sunday dialogues called “The Dean’s Forum Podcast.”

    It covered issues such as the gap between the faith of Islam and its peaceful practitioners and the negative perception of Muslims in America due to the scourge of terrorism.

    The forum also included information on Islamophobia and those who promote anti-Muslim bigotry, including right-wing think-tanks, religious figures, public officials, and commentators.

    Forum participants touched on the rise in hate crimes and anti-Muslim discrimination, and provided information on dispelling stereotypes and how members of interfaith communities can take practical steps to help stem the tide of anti-Muslim bigotry through concrete action at the local level.

    To listen to the Dean’s Forum Podcast, go to:

    https://trinitycleveland.org/the-deans-forum-podcasts/

    “Understanding and empathy are key to activating the wider public to stand up against scapegoating and bigotry that are increasingly being deployed for political gain in our country,” said CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia Shearson. “The forum provided a chance for congregants to hear first-hand about how the rise of anti-Muslim racism and hate crimes are directly impacting the American Muslim community and what interfaith allies can do to help stop the hate.”

    CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

    La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

    CONTACT: Julia A. Shearson, CAIR-Cleveland executive director, 216.440.2247 or jshearson@cair.com, Ibrahim Hooper, CAIR National Communications Director, 202.744.7726, ihooper@cair.com

  • CHURCH HOSTS RAMADAN IFTAR WITH CLEVELAND AREA MUSLIMS

    CHURCH HOSTS RAMADAN IFTAR WITH CLEVELAND AREA MUSLIMS

    Interfaith program counters Islamophobia stoked by controversy over NYC Islamic center

    (CLEVELAND, OH, 8/26/2010) – On August 26, the Cleveland Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OHIO) co-hosted a Sharing Ramadan Interfaith Iftar event at the West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Rocky River.  The program was designed to promote interfaith harmony in light of the anti-Islamic rhetoric surrounding the New York City Islamic center expansion project near Ground Zero.

    Churches and synagogues in other parts of the country have hosted Ramadan Iftar events, but this was the first such event in the Cleveland area. Imam Ramez Islambouli of Case Western Reserve University and Uqbah Mosque Foundation spoke on the meaning of Ramadan.

    Dr. Mansoor Ahmed spoke on flood relief efforts in Pakistan. More than 150 guests shared a traditional Ramadan Iftar dinner and then stayed for an interfaith dialogue.

    “In the midst of the bigotry being stoked around the country against Muslims, it is comforting to know that here in Cuyahoga County, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, and others are breaking bread in the spirit of friendship and mutual respect,” said Isam Zaiem, CAIR-Cleveland Board President.

    CAIR, America’s largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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    CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Cleveland Chapter Executive Director Julia A. Shearson, 216.830.2247 or 216.440.2247, E-Mail: jshearson@cair.com