(CLEVELAND, OHIO, 10/24/16) – More than 120 people recently joined the Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland), West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church and local religious, civil society and social justice groups for “Teatime for Peace,” an event to help dispel stereotypes about Islam and Muslims.
The event was part of an ongoing series of interfaith gatherings being held in Cuyahoga, Summit and Lake Counties designed to foster support for the Muslim community in light of increasing Islamophobia and anti-Muslim rhetoric in American politics and media.
“From the enthusiastic turnout for the event, it is clear that people want an antidote to counter the rising hate rhetoric, division and religious scapegoating in our society,” said Isam Zaiem, CAIR-Cleveland board treasurer and co-organizer of the event. “This event was a chance to counter fear and hate with honest connection and conversation through getting to know one’s Muslim neighbors right here in our local community.”