CAIR-Cleveland & Northern Ohio

Category: Muslim-Christian Understanding

  • 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

  • Muslim Leaders Meet Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Cleveland

    Muslim Leaders Meet Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Cleveland

    (CLEVELAND, OH, 10/12/06) – Leaders of the Muslim community of Cleveland met this week with The Most Reverend Richard G. Lennon, the new Bishop of the Catholic Diocese. The purpose of the meeting was to welcome Bishop Lennon and to discuss relations between the Diocese and the Muslim community in Northeast Ohio.

    During the meeting, Muslim leaders presented information about Islam and Muslims in Northeast Ohio and expressed their hope for a continuation of the relations established by the Bishop Emeritus Anthony M. Pilla. The Muslim participants also praised the work of Father Joseph Hilinski, Interfaith Director of the Catholic Diocese, who helped build ties between the two communities.

    “The groundwork for good relations between the Muslim and Catholic communities in Northeast Ohio has been established,” said Fareed Siddiq, President of Religion of Peace, a local organization active in interfaith dialogue. “And we look forward to expanding the cooperation and friendship among the people of our respective faith traditions.”

    Joining the meeting were representatives of Uqbah Mosque Foundation, the Islamic Center of Cleveland, the Islamic Society of Akron and Kent, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, and the Religion of Peace.

    CONTACT: Fareed Siddiq, President, Religion of Peace, 440.247.1340 or 216.798.8555, siddiq1@sbcglobal.net; Isam Zaiem, Chair, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Cleveland Office, 216.337.7928, isamz@sbcglobal.net; [Dr. Jalal AbuShaweesh, President, Islamic Center of Cleveland,  440.541.3082, jxa16@case.edu; Ramez Islambouli, President, Uqbah Mosque Foundation, 216.288.6145; rislambouli@yahoo.com]