CAIR Calls 9-0 U.S. Supreme Court Victory in Watchlist Case a ‘Historic Milestone for American Muslims’

by CAIR-OHIO in 2024, March, Recent News

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court’s 9-0 ruling allowing CAIR’s lawsuit challenging the federal No Fly List on behalf of Yonas Fikre to move forward over the government’s objection as a “historic milestone for Muslims.”

This case marked the first time that CAIR argued directly before the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Yonas Fikre is an American Muslim who was tortured and imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates at the behest of American officials, and then stranded in Sweden because of his status on the No Fly List, after he refused pressure from the FBI to become an informant.

The government took Fikre off the list after CAIR filed suit and tried to argue that Fikre’s case was moot in order to avoid the threat of a court ruling declaring the watchlist unconstitutional. The FBI has previously removed over ten CAIR clients from the No Fly List in response to lawsuits filed by the civil rights group.

Today, the Supreme Court rejected the government’s argument that lawsuits like Fikre’s case are moot. In a unanimous opinion by Justice Gorsuch, the Court explained that the government’s declaration provided no assurances he would not be placed back on the list if he repeated whatever behavior the Government thought was grounds to put him on in the first place. 

The declaration was silent as to “whether the government might relist him if he does the same or similar things in the future—say, attend a particular mosque or refuse renewed overtures to serve as an informant.” So the Government did not prove “that it cannot reasonably be expected to resume its challenged conduct—whether the suit happens to be new or long lingering, and whether the challenged conduct might recur immediately or later at some more propitious moment.”

CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad lauded the decision: “CAIR has achieved a major victory at the Supreme Court and a historic milestone for American Muslims, including tens of thousands unjustly targeted by our government. We vow to continue our fight until the FBI’s secret watchlists no longer target our communities and undermine the Constitution. We congratulate our amazing legal team for this achievement, and we thank our supporters for entrusting CAIR to protect their rights.”

CAIR National Litigation Director Lena Masri added: “The court’s unanimous decision is a stinging rebuke of the FBI’s longstanding practice of avoiding accountability by removing innocent Muslims who challenge their listing in federal court.”

CAIR National Deputy Litigation Director Gadeir Abbas, who argued the case for Yonas Fikre before the Supreme Court on January 8th, hailed the decision. “The FBI cannot play whack-a-mole with the rights of Muslims. The FBI cannot place innocent Muslims on the No Fly List, only to then block that unconstitutional list from scrutiny by removing those Muslims whenever they file a lawsuit.”

CAIR Senior Litigation Attorney Justin Sadowsky noted that he looked forward to continuing the case. “If the Government is going to defend what it did to Yonas, then we will make sure a Court rules that what it did was illegal. The Government must change its ways if it wants to avoid judicial scrutiny of the No Fly List.”

READ: The Supreme Court’s Decision in FBI v. Fikre

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, 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.      

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, 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 Senior Litigation Attorney Gadeir Abbas, 720-251-0425, gabbas@cair.com; CAIR Trial Attorney Justin Sadowsky, 646-785-9154, jsadowsky@cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-999-8292, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com

CAIR-Ohio Withdraws Support from Columbus City Council’s Annual Ramadan Iftar Over Failure to Call for Ceasefire

by CAIR-OHIO in 2024, March, Recent News

CAIR-Ohio has decided to withdraw its support from this year’s Columbus City Council Iftar event. We are deeply troubled by the ongoing genocide in Palestine and cannot, in good conscience, partake in festivities with those who refuse to acknowledge the unimaginable suffering that our brothers and sisters in Palestine endure. 

The City Council’s delay in passing a ceasefire resolution and the absence of supportive statements from Mayor Ginther, Council President Shannon Hardin, and Council Members Rob Doran, Nicholas Bankston, Nancy Day-Achauer, and Emmanuel Remy, represent glaring omissions in addressing the ongoing genocide. We thank Council Members Shayla Favors, Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, Melissa Green, and Christopher L. Wyche, who have personally called for a ceasefire after hearing from our communities; however, it remains crucial that the City of Columbus as whole take immediate action to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and address the surge in Islamophobia locally. 

The staggering statistics of at least 31,726 lives lost, and more than 73,792 individuals injured in Gaza and the hundreds more in occupied West Bank, demand urgent attention and intervention. Federal, state, and local leaders, including our Council, must unequivocally stand against the atrocities being committed. It is our moral imperative to speak up when our government is funding and enabling this genocide and complicit in Israel’s human rights violations. 

We urge our Muslim community and allies to: 

  • Refrain from events that do not acknowledge or address the ongoing genocide 
  • Rescind and pause invitations to government officials until they recognize the violence and humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza and call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire 

We stand with and commend the community members who have continued to show up, pleading with the Council to call for a ceasefire, despite the intimidation and lack of support from the Council.  

This decision is a commitment of solidarity to stand with the oppressed, locally and abroad. 

Response Message for Those Invited:  

Thank you for extending the invitation to the Columbus City Council Iftar. However, considering the ongoing crisis in Palestine and the lack of meaningful action from the City Council and Mayor Ginther, I must respectfully decline to participate this year. My thoughts are with those who continue to suffer, and I stand in solidarity with efforts to address the root causes and promote peace, which cannot be achieved without justice. 

Important Information Update

by CAIR-OHIO in 2024, March, Recent News

Dear Community Members,

Assalamu Alaikum

Yesterday, the Ohio Supreme Court accepted the resignation of Romin Iqbal; he has forfeited his license and can no longer practice law as an attorney in Ohio.

We welcome this small win, as part of a larger accountability outcome. This is the beginning of closure for the community. As we have shared before, there will be consequences for those that betray the trust of colleagues and community members, and we will continue to update you as news unfolds inshAllah.

We thank those that stood in solidarity with us, and continue to do so, as we remain steadfast in our fight against Islamophobia in all its forms.

As Ramadan is upon us, we ask that you continue to support the organization, as our work to protect and empower the Muslim community frightens anti-Muslim hate groups and continues to be evidence that our work is crucial and necessary.

Click here for the Ohio Supreme Court acceptance of Mr. Iqbal’s resignation.

Click here for the Dispatch article.

CAIR-Ohio Hosts Imam Dawud Walid to Speak on Black Liberation x Palestine Event in Honor of Black History Month

by CAIR-OHIO in 2024, February, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH – 2/15/24) – On Tuesday, February 13, the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), in collaboration with the Muslim American Society Columbus (MAS Columbus), hosted a Black Liberation educational event for the community.  The event aimed to shed light on the ongoing struggles for liberation and justice faced by Black and Brown communities, drawing inspiration from the legacy of Malcolm X as a revolutionary figure and a devoted Muslim. 

Imam Dawud Walid, Executive Director of CAIR-Michigan and author of the book “Blackness and Islam,” was the speaker of the event. Imam Dawud brought valuable insights into the intersections of race, religion, and activism, guiding attendees through an exploration of Malcolm X’s profound impact as a civil and human rights activist for Black Americans in the United States.  

Participants from diverse backgrounds and age groups engaged in discussions about the systemic challenges for Black Americans, delving into the parallels between their struggles and the injustices faced by the Palestinian people in Palestine. These connections highlighted the shared experiences of oppression and the need for solidarity across communities. 

Malcolm X, known for his unwavering commitment to justice, stated, “True Islam taught me that it takes all of the religious, political, economic, psychological, and racial ingredients, or characteristics, to make the Human Family and the Human Society complete.” 

“The event served as a catalyst for dialogue, reflection, and collective action, empowering attendees to confront systemic injustices,” said CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox. 

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, with three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. The organization is dedicated to enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.    

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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi: abarhumi@cair.com | 614-763-6557 

CAIR-Ohio Holds Second Annual Masajid Retreat to Empower Ohio Muslim Leaders

by CAIR-OHIO in 2024, February, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH – 2/14/24) – On Saturday, February 11, the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) hosted its second annual Masajid Retreat at the CAIR-Ohio Columbus office. Over 35 masajid leaders from across Ohio convened to strategize and strengthen their collective influence, aiming to empower Muslim communities throughout the state. 

CAIR-Ohio’s Executive Director Amina Barhumi facilitated the event with discussions on effective strategies to amplify community voices amidst the prevailing challenges of increased Islamophobia in our communities and across the nation. The retreat provided a valuable platform for masajid leaders to share their experiences, fostering collaboration and enhancing relationships within the Muslim community, thus reinforcing our network.  

In collaboration with Oaktree Institute, CAIR-Ohio continued its commitment to empowering communities by providing Fund-Development Training during the retreat. This specialized training, facilitated by Nadeem Riaz, equipped masajid leaders with insightful tactics for successful fundraising efforts during Ramadan. The session aimed to enhance their outreach initiatives and broaden funding opportunities, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and growth of their respective institutions. 

“CAIR-Ohio remains dedicated to fostering resilience within Muslim communities and addressing the challenges they face,” said CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox. “The Masajid Retreat stands as a testament to the ongoing commitment to empowering leaders, building networks, and ensuring the continued growth and strength of Ohio’s Muslim communities.” 

For more information on how to join the CAIR-Ohio Masajid Network, contact CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox vhickcox@cair.com | 513-906-5728. 

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, with three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. The organization is dedicated to enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.  

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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi: abarhumi@cair.com | 614-763-6557 

CAIR-Ohio Hosts 100+ Attendees at 5th Annual Muslim Statehouse Advocacy Day, FeaturingCongresswoman Rashida Tlaib as Keynote Speaker

by CAIR-OHIO in 2024, February, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OHIO, 2/14/24) – On Thursday, February 9, more than 100 Muslims from across Ohio gathered at the Statehouse for Muslim Advocacy Day, to meet with over 20 legislative offices during CAIR-Ohio’s 5th Annual Muslim Advocacy Day event focusing on bills related to religious accommodation, addressing the pay gap, and protecting Ohio schools from extremist curriculum.

This year, CAIR-Ohio teamed up with MAS-Columbus, and partners: American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) Toledo, Abubakar Assidiq Islamic Center, Ahlul Bayt Society of Columbus, Islamic Center of Mason Learning Academy, Islamic Center of Centerville, Somali Islamic Centers of Ohio, Noor Islamic Cultural Center, Islamic Society of Greater Dayton, Islamic Council of Dayton, and Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati.

Ohio Representative Munira Abdullahi (OH – D9) welcomed attendees to the Statehouse and introduced CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi who discussed “our power” as a collective and transforming data into action. Ameer Abdulrahman, a policy advisor and General Secretary at Muslim Americans in Public Service (MAPS), led a dynamic session on legislative advocacy, equipping attendees with the tools to amplify their voices effectively. 

The highlight of the day came with the electrifying presence of Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, whose impassioned speech underscored the vital role of Muslim civic engagement in combating injustice at all levels of government. 
 
Attendees then ate lunch and split into groups to meet with different legislative offices from all over the state to advocate on the following bills:  

Support: SB 49 – Religious Expression Days “R.E.D.” Act  

Support: HB 115 – Equal Pay Act 

Oppose: HB 103 – Establish the Ohio Social Studies Standards Task Force to develop new social studies academic standards 

Reflecting on the event’s significance, CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox emphasized, “This advocacy day is just the beginning. It’s a stepping stone for Muslim community members to gain invaluable skills and knowledge, empowering them to advocate on a myriad of issues and build upon this momentum.” 

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, with three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. The organization is dedicated to enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.   

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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi: abarhumi@cair.com | 614-763-6557 

CAIR-Ohio Harnesses MLK’s Legacy to Cultivate Young Leaders in Muslim Community

by CAIR-OHIO in 2024, January, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH – 1/19/24) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) held its Muslim Youth Leadership Program (MYLP) on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to train the next generation of young leaders. The program, held at the CAIR-Ohio Columbus Office aimed to empower Muslim youth with essential skills in political education and leadership. Students from Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus areas joined the program this year. 

Inspired by the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., who stated, “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom,” the program is empowering young individuals to be catalysts for positive change.

The event featured distinguished speakers who shared their insights and experiences with the participants. Ohio Representative Munira Abdullahi, the first Muslim and Somali woman elected to the statehouse, served as one of the keynote speakers, inspiring the attendees with her journey in public service.  

Additionally, two speakers from Palestinian Liberation Movement (PLM-JUST), Ramon Obey and Hani Al-Bawab, shared their expertise in grassroots organizing, and sharing opportunities for students to be more involved in organizing. 

“The Muslim Youth Leadership Program provided a platform for our youth to explore their potential and develop the skills necessary to drive positive change in their communities,” said CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox. “It is always exciting to hear from students after the program about their accomplishments using the tools gained in the program.” 

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, with three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. The organization is dedicated to enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims. 

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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi: abarhumi@cair.com | 614-763-6557 

CAIR-Ohio, Partners Mobilize Community, Send 400+ to March on Washington for Gaza

by CAIR-OHIO in 2024, January, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH – 1/19/24) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) today welcomed the mobilization of the local community, along with its partners, American Muslim for Palestine (AMP) – Toledo, Palestinian Liberation Movement (PLM JUST), MAS Columbus, and Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), after more than 400 community members from Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo areas traveled by bus to participate in the March on Washington for Gaza.

The event gathered 400,000+ from across the United States at Freedom Plaza in Washington, DC on January 13th, which was organized by the American Muslim Taskforce for Palestine.

SEE: CAIR Commends 400,000+ Marchers for Historic Turnout at March on Washington for Gaza  

“We are proud to have rallied our community to actively participate in the March on Washington for Gaza,” said CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi. “This historic turnout signifies our collective commitment to urging the Biden administration and congress to take immediate action to stop the genocide in Gaza and hold Israel accountable for its crimes against humanity. We demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire and an end to support of the Israeli apartheid government.”

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, with three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. The organization is dedicated to enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.

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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi: abarhumi@cair.com | 614-763-6557

CAIR-Ohio Calls for Reinstatement of Palestinian-American Lyft’s Driver After Unjust Removal Following Hate Incident

by CAIR-OHIO in 2024, January, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH – 1/8/24) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), today called for the reinstatement of a Palestinian-American Lyft driver after he was reportedly removed from that app following a hate incident in which he was allegedly called a “terrorist” by a passenger.

Salam Zaghmot, a 5.0-star rated Lyft driver for the past 5.6 years with more than 1800 completed rides, encountered a distressing incident on Saturday, December 2, 2023, when 4 women, passengers allegedly made racist and discriminatory comments about his name and questioned his place of origin.

Despite Zaghmot’s attempts to diffuse the situation by asserting his identity as a Denver, Colorado, native, the passengers persisted with offensive remarks and suggested affiliation with hate groups and allegedly called him a “terrorist.”

Faced with a hostile environment in his own vehicle, Zaghmot exercised his right to ensure a safe and respectful environment for himself and his passengers. He reported the incident using Lyft’s safety features, and a detailed account of the incident was provided to a safety agent.

Despite promptly reporting the incident, Zaghmot received no response until four days later. Astonishingly, Lyft informed him that a complaint had been filed against him for not completing the ride and allegedly engaging in discriminatory behavior. To Zaghmot’s dismay, he was subsequently removed as a driver from the Lyft app without any additional information or investigation.

CAIR-Ohio condemned Lyft’s apparent failure to address the discrimination faced by the driver.

In a statement, CAIR-Ohio Legal Director Lina Abbaoui said:

“It is deeply troubling that Lyft did not thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident before taking punitive action against Mr. Zaghmot. Lyft’s actions in this case raise serious concerns about the company’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its drivers, regardless of their background or identity.

“We call on Lyft to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter, reinstate Mr. Zaghmot as a driver, and implement measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.”

“CAIR-Ohio further urges Lyft to review its policies and procedures to ensure they are comprehensive, transparent, and effective in addressing incidents of discrimination faced by drivers. CAIR-Ohio stands ready to assist Mr. Zaghmot in seeking a just resolution to this matter and ensuring that Lyft upholds its commitment to providing a safe experience for passengers and drivers.”

CAIR’s national office recently released new civil rights data showing that it has received a “staggering” 2,171 complaints amid an ongoing wave of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate.

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, with three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. The organization is dedicated to enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.

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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi: abarhumi@cair.com | 614-763-6557

Join Us for the 5th Annual Muslim Advocacy Day

by CAIR-OHIO in 2024, January, Recent News

Join CAIR-Ohio and MAS Columbus for the 5th Annual Muslim Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse on Thursday, February 8th, 2024, from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.

Participants will meet with elected officials to discuss issues affecting all Ohioans, including legislation related to religious accommodation, healthcare, and education. Lunch, training, and materials provided!

Register here by February 1st!

We encourage masajid leaders to collaborate with us in this effort to increase our presence and engagement with lawmakers. Contact CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox at vhickcox@cair.com | 513-906-5728 for details.

Don’t miss the chance to be a voice for change!