(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