(COLUMBUS, OH – 3/20/24) – On Thursday, March 14, the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), hosted its 2nd Annual Statehouse Iftar, in collaboration with Representative Munira Abdullahi at the Ohio Statehouse. With a turnout exceeding 250 community members, the event fostered unity and reflection during the blessed month of Ramadan.
The evening commenced with an inspiring opening by Representative Munira Abdullahi, followed by, Sheikh Basheer Mahmoud of Masjid Abu Hurairah delivering Quran recitation. The evening’s speakers included CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi, MAS PACE National Director Ismahan Abdullahi, Imam Abdurrahman Justin Wood, and poet Sara Abou Rashed. Each speaker brought unique perspectives, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and advocacy.
CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi discussed the organization’s commitment amplifying voices, advocating for rights, and combating Islamophobia. She highlighted the organization’s work over the past year and announced the release of CAIR-Ohio’s 2023 Annual Report. The report notes a 156 percent increase in incident reports compared to 2022, with most coming in during the last quarter of the year.
CAIR-Ohio made a conscious decision to extend invitations exclusively to elected officials who have actively called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“Every evening this Ramadan, we gather and will continue to gather with heavy hearts as we witness the ethnic cleansing of our Palestinian brothers and sisters and contend with the fact that our own government and tax dollars are funding a genocide,” said CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi. “We are thankful to have allies, that stand with us in solidarity, that hear us and see us, and respond and engage to the commitment for true liberation that includes all of us.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio has three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi: abarhumi@cair.com | 614-763-6557