CAIR-Cleveland & Northern Ohio

Tag: Ramadan

  • 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 Attends United Muslim Association of Toledo Iftar Dinner at Toledo Government Center

    CAIR-Ohio Attends United Muslim Association of Toledo Iftar Dinner at Toledo Government Center

    (CLEVELAND, OHIO, 4/13/2023) – Representatives of the Cleveland Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, recently attended the “Ramadan Kareem” Iftar Dinner in Toledo, Ohio. Ramadan, which began on March 23, is the Islamic holy month of self-discipline, charity, fasting, and spiritual renewal. Muslims end their daily fast after sunset with a meal known as iftar.

    The Ramadan iftar, which was co-sponsored by the United Muslim Association of Toledo (UMAT) and Toledo intergovernmental agencies, was held at One Government Center in downtown Toledo. Co-hosts included the City of Toledo Community Relations Commission along with Welcome TLC (Toledo/Lucas County).

    Dr. Nadeem Khan, UMAT Secretary, emceed the event. Speakers included Dr. Samina Z. Hasan who shared highlights of the many collaborative initiatives and community service projects that UMAT has worked on since its founding in 1996. Dr. Syed Maseehur Rehman, President of UMAT, described the patriotism and contributions of Toledo’s Muslim community from all walks of life.

    Participants included city and county officials as well as members of the Ohio legislature and judiciary. The Mayor of Toledo, Wade Kapszukiewicz, presented an official proclamation to UMAT on behalf of the City of Toledo. In his remarks, the mayor decried the politics of fear and division sweeping the nation in contrast to Toledo’s remarkable history of embracing diversity and celebrating different cultures even in the darkest times. He pointed to the Depression era period between the two world wars, when, in 1931, Toledo, Ohio joined with the City of Toledo in Spain as sister cities, becoming the first American city to have a sister city. The Mayor said the City of Toledo will continue to carry forth its vision of being a welcoming city that focusses on making friends with the world.

    The President of the Board of County Commissions, Pete Gerken, commended UMAT for their spirit of civic engagement and for helping to make the region a great place to live. Lucas County Commissioners Tina Wozniak and Lisa Sobecki warmly welcomed the assembled audience of more than 250 guests and spoke of how much they had learned from their friendships with the Muslim community. The event was rounded out by a spiritual message from Imam Farooq Abouelzahab on the essence of Ramadan as being a time to struggle for victory over selfishness and greed in order to manifest humaneness and compassion.

    “It was an honor to attend the Ramadan Kareem Iftar with the Muslim and interfaith communities in Toledo,” said Faten Odeh, CAIR-Ohio Cleveland Chapter Interim Executive Director. “As the new CAIR executive director for our Cleveland and Northern Ohio region, it was great to learn about the amazing strides the Toledo Muslim community has made over their long and rich history in the region.”

    To learn more about the City of Toledo Iftar, click here.

    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 Faten Odeh, 216.830.2247, fodeh@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202.744.7726, ihooper@cair.com.

  • CAIR-Cleveland Commends Jail Chaplaincy Program For Facilitating Eid Al-Fitr Celebrations for Incarcerated Muslims

    CAIR-Cleveland Commends Jail Chaplaincy Program For Facilitating Eid Al-Fitr Celebrations for Incarcerated Muslims

    (CLEVELAND, OH – 5/26/2020) – The Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OH) today commended the chaplaincy program at the Cuyahoga County Jail for their efforts to support fasting Muslims as they celebrate the Feast of Fast Breaking (Eid Al-Fitr) at the end of Ramadan. More than 100 Muslims in the facility participated in the month-long fast of Ramadan during the restrictions of COVID-pandemic.

    Due to social distancing measures, incarcerated Muslims were not able to congregate for Eid prayers, but were provided with the transcription of a pre-recorded video Eid message from Shaykh Musa Sugapong of Darul Qasim Institute and the Islamic Center of Cleveland. The fasting Muslims also received an official recognition proclamation from Cuyahoga County for the holiday and accommodations for a special Eid meal.

    In a statement, CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Chapter Executive Director Julia Shearsonsaid:

    “CAIR-Ohio is committed to doing our part to help end mass incarceration through education efforts that promote peace and social justice and the treatment of all people with dignity and respect. Ramadan encourages upright moral behavior and noble conduct and promotes abiding mercy and compassion for others. The lessons of Ramadan are especially profound in a prison or jail setting. We commend the fasting Muslims for their accomplishments and encourage them to carry the spirit and discipline of Ramadan forward all year long. We also appreciate the efforts of the chaplaincy program in trying to make the Eid celebrate special even during social distancing.”

    As part of its Empowerment Program for Incarcerated Communities (EPIC), CAIR was able to provide Eid al-Fitr sweets and savory appetizers for the more than 100 fasting Muslims at the Cuyahoga County facility. CAIR-Ohio also issued a pre-Ramadan guidance memorandum on the legal requirements for respecting the rights of incarcerated Muslims, which was sent to correctional institutions and jails throughout Ohio. CAIR-Ohio provided hundreds of Ramadan educational packages in response to written requests from incarcerated individuals throughout the state. CAIR-Ohio officials regularly advocate on issues related to religious freedom for Muslims under conditions of confinement in Ohio.

    For more information about EPIC, click here.

    To read CAIR-Ohio’s Pre-Ramadan Guidance Memorandum, click here.

    To read the Cuyahoga County Jail Administration’s Congratulatory Eid Message, click here.

    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.

     

    END

    CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Cleveland Chapter Executive Director Julia A. Shearson, 216-440-2247, jshearson@cair.com; CAIR EPIC Program Coordinator, Areege Hammad, 216-830-2247, ahammad@cair.com

  • 12th Annual Sharing Ramadan Iftar Dinner

    Please join CAIR-Cleveland at our 12th Annual Sharing Ramadan Iftar Dinner on May 18, 2019

    Join us for a Sharing Ramadan Iftar Dinner with renowned speaker Rais Bhuiyan, whose compelling story highlights one immigrant’s amazing story of surviving a hate crime in America. In his triumph over hate through the power of mercy and compassion, Rais’ life attests to the best of the human spirit. Don’t miss this wonderful event during the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Month of Mercy, Forgiveness and Compassion.

    About Our Keynote Speaker, Rais Bhuiyan

    Ten days after 9/11, Rais was the victim of a horrific hate crime in Dallas, Texas. Shot from point blank range by a white supremacist, Mark Stroman, Rais barely survived. Sadly, two others were killed. Stroman was sentenced to death; ten years later, Rais led an international campaign fighting to save Stroman’s life, petitioning for clemency for his attacker on death row. Rais’ amazing story of one immigrant’s experience overcoming hate in America has been chronicled in the award-winning book entitled The True American: Murder & Mercy in Texas by Anand Giridharadas, a 2014 New York Times Book Review Notable Book. Rais’ efforts have been widely recognized. He received the Excellence for Human Service Award, United for Change; 2011 American of the Year, Esquire Magazine; 2014 Human Relations Award, Muslim Public Affairs Council Foundation, among others. He worked with the Obama Administration’s Domestic Policy Council and currently represents the U.S. Department of State as part of their speakers’ bureau, supporting federal efforts for peace and understanding.  Rais travels globally, speaking about his experiences of forgiveness, compassion, empathy, understanding and acceptance, as well as hate-crimes, race relations, equity and social justice, intolerance, faith and leadership. Hollywood’s feature film, based on The True American, is currently in production.

    WHAT: CAIR-OHIO, Cleveland Chapter, 12th Annual Sharing Ramadan Iftar Dinner

    WHEN: Saturday, May 18, 2019, 6:30 Registration | 7:00 Program Starts

    WHERE: LaVilla Banquet Center, 11500 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, Ohio, 44130

    Ticket Costs: $15 per person; complimentary tickets for interfaith guests.

    Please RSVP by May 11, 2019.

    For more information or to RSVP, call 216.830.2247, visit caircleveland.com, or email events@cleveland.cair.com

    Note: Event sponsorships are available; please let us know if your family or business would like to help sponsor the program.




  • Donate to CAIR-Cleveland This Ramadan

    Donate to CAIR-Cleveland This Ramadan

    Please donate to CAIR-Cleveland this Ramadan. Donations will help CAIR-Cleveland to better serve the community.

    Your donation will directly sustain our pro bono legal services, vital education programs, media and interfaith work, and community service activities. All donations are tax-deductible and zakat eligible.   Our federal tax ID number is 31-1602287.


    You may also send your gift in the mail:
    CAIR-Cleveland
    2999 Payne Ave, Suite 220
    Cleveland, OH 44114

     

     

  • Know Your Rights and Responsibilitites: Requesting Religious Accommodations During Ramadan

    Know Your Rights and Responsibilitites: Requesting Religious Accommodations During Ramadan

    As-Salamu Alaykum Community Members,

    Alhamdullilah, the month of Ramadan is here. We, at CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Chapter, pray that Allah (swt) will shower you and your families with the peace and blessings of Ramadan. May Allah (swt) accept your fasting, charity and good deeds during this blessed month.

    From a practical perspective, we are providing information below to help you should you need to request a religious accommodation at work or at school. Remember that you have a right to practice your religion and there are laws that ensure you can exercise this right.

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