CAIR-Ohio, Muslim Community Mourn Loss of Palestinian Patient Treated in US, Killed by Israel

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, December, Recent News

(CINCINNATI, OH – 12/29/23) — CAIR-Ohio and the Ohio Muslim community mourn the loss of Mohammad Al Ajouri, a cherished member of the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) Cincinnati family, and a victim of the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza. Al Ajouri, a resilient athlete who triumphed over the loss of a leg sustained during the March of Return protests, tragically lost his life alongside his wife and son.  

WATCH: Message from Mohammad in 2019, after receiving his prosthetic  

“In the face of adversity, Mohammad’s unwavering spirit and determination were a beacon of inspiration for all who knew him,” said PCRF Volunteer Jackie Othman. “He not only conquered personal challenges but also became a source of strength and encouragement for other amputee children at PCRF’s Camp Ability.”   

In 2018, Mohammad journeyed to Cincinnati to receive a prosthetic limb. The dedicated runner and athlete embraced life with unwavering enthusiasm after being fitted with his prosthesis, aspiring to participate in marathons and play soccer once again.  

Mohammad’s impact extended beyond his personal journey; he became an integral part of PCRF’s Camp Ability, where he served as a mentor and inspiration to other amputee children. His dream of becoming a soccer coach reflected his boundless optimism and commitment to giving back to the community.  

During his three months in Cincinnati, Mohammad touched the lives of many with his strength, indomitable spirit, and unwavering determination. His story served as an inspiration to all who had the privilege of meeting him.  

CAIR-Ohio extends its deepest condolences to Mohammad’s family, who now face the unimaginable loss of another son.  

“Mohammad and his family are victims of the ongoing genocide, adding to the tragic toll of over 21,000+ Palestinian men, women, and children killed in the relentless attacks on Gaza,” said CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox. “We continue to advocate for a permanent ceasefire and an end to this inhumane assault on Palestinian civilians.”  

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 Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox: vhickcox@cair.com | 513-906-5728

Interfaith Peace Vigil Unites Community in Call for End to Violence

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, December, Recent News

(CINCINNATI, OH – 12/18/23) — In a poignant display of solidarity, community members and leaders gathered at Washington Park on Sunday evening for an Interfaith Peace Vigil for Gaza. The event aimed to reflect on the tragic loss of innocent families and children in Gaza and advocate for peace and justice.

SEE: Livestream of the event here.

The program included representatives of different faiths and backgrounds. Speakers shared personal stories of how they and their families have been impacted by the violence in Gaza. Additionally, faith leaders from the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities lead an interfaith prayer session, each offering prayers that reflect the universal values of peace, justice, and solidarity. 

The evening culminated with songs highlighting the calls for peace, from MUSE choir, as well as a children’s choir. The children’s choir sang, “Atouna el Toufoule”, a song that was originally sung by Remi Bandali when she was 4 years old, singing a strong and poignant message about the impact of war during the holidays and a time that’s supposed to be filled with joy. The song was a reminder as we gather near the times of holidays, these are children calling on us to listen as they make their one request during this holiday season: “Give Us Our Childhood. Give Us Our Childhood.”

The following statements were made by speakers at the event: 

Zeinab Schwen, a Palestinian American & Cincinnati Community Leader:

“Most decent people can see with their own eyes, the atrocities that are happening in real time through our screens. Anyone legitimizing this act of genocide has no shred of humanity, no sense of morality, and no knowledge of legality. The collective punishment that Israel is committing, indiscriminate destruction of Gaza’s infrastructures, and the ethnic cleansing of a defenseless population is against international law.”

“My sadness and our trauma and our memory and our own suffering, both recent and historic, will not be weaponized to justify the annihilation of a people. Not in my name. Not now and not ever,” said Joel Pruce, a professor of human rights at the University of Dayton and a Jewish American.

“This is one family’s story, my family. There are thousands more. We don’t need, we cannot have, more families massacred by Israel’s weapons. Weapons the United States is funding. You do not have to be in Palestine to feel the extent of suffering as a direct result of the Israeli occupation. You do not need to be in Gaza to see the pain of families losing entire generations. You do not need to be in the refugee camps to hear the cries for help. But you do have to have one thing however, a heart,” said Yasmine Garadah, a Palestinian American and Cincinnati native.

Aya Hijji, a Palestinian American, shared the harrowing experience of her family fleeing Gaza. She highlighted the challenges faced by her brother’s family and the trauma inflicted on innocent civilians.

“Days and nights pass by, and I can’t sleep without medication, as I too have personally witnessed previous atrocities committed in Gaza. I can only imagine what everyone is going through in Gaza currently. The crisis in Gaza is nothing short of genocide and ethnic cleansing.”

Lisa Saia, a Christian Arab-American, closed with a quote from Nelson Mandela: “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”

“My mother taught me to use my voice to do better and to help those who need it most. To fight the good fight. This isn’t a statement of aggression, it’s about perseverance, even when the road is hard…Humanity is our common cause. Collectively, we have the freedom and responsibility to uphold and safeguard people’s humanity.”

The event was organized by a coalition of diverse organizations committed to advocating for peace, justice, and an end to the crisis in Gaza. The coalition includes: the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund PCRF Cincinnati, Universalists of Greater Cincinnati, CAIR-Ohio, Churches for Middle East Peace, Urban Native Collective, Jewish Voice for Peace Central Ohio, Students for Justice in Palestine (UC), The Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, St. James Antiochian Orthodox Church, Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), United Church of Christ, New Prospect Baptist Church, Ihsan Islamic Center, Cincinnati Islamic Community Center, Arab Student Association (UC), and Muslim Students Association (UC)

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

CAIR-Ohio Addresses the Crisis, U.S. Involvement in Gaza Genocide and Its Impact on Ohio Muslims

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, December, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH – 12/11/23) — The Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), today, held a press conference calling on Ohio elected officials to take immediate action to end the ongoing genocide in Gaza, an atrocity further fueled by U.S. tax dollars. 

The press conference, attended by local citizens impacted by the crisis, community leaders, and members of the media, highlighted the intensification of violence and human rights abuses in Palestine over the past two months, escalating to what CAIR-Ohio, according to human rights and genocide experts, unequivocally described as genocide. The organization emphasized the role of elected officials in exacerbating and endorsing this crisis, emphasizing that it is funded by the U.S. government. 

Addressing the devastating statistics, CAIR-Ohio called for an urgent ceasefire to halt the genocide inflicted by Israel, which has resulted in the devastating loss of over 17,973 civilians, including at least 7,729 children, leaving more than 48,780 injured and at least 7,780 missing. 

The impact on Ohio Muslims and the broader community was a key focus, with CAIR-Ohio reporting a staggering 290 incident reports and requests for assistance in the past two months, higher than all of reports 2022. The surge includes alarming instances of heightened surveillance and intimidation of Muslims, particularly young professionals and student activists, by the FBI and local law enforcement agencies. 

The following statements were made by speakers at the press conference: 

Amina Barhumi, CAIR-Ohio Executive Director: 

“As we stand here today, the crisis in Palestine continues unabated, with heartbreaking reports of increased casualties, displacement, and destruction.  

“We are at a critical juncture where the United States government, who has funded and enabled this genocide and occupation, must take a strong stance and with its citizens who are demanding a ceasefire along with the rest of the international community. Disturbingly, we are witnessing a troubling situation unfold, with the U.S. invoking its veto power, hindering the path to end the violence.” 

Amy Schuster, Jewish Voice for Peace – Central Ohio Chapter: 

“Never Again: I come here today to bear witness to the violence and harassment being experienced by the people in Gaza, the West Bank, and in our community–and to remind us of the need to Never Again let genocide occur without criticism. I do not want my grief for the people who experienced a violent assault on October 7 to be turned into fuel for ethnic cleansing.” 

Mahmoud Algharabi, Community Member: 

“My oldest sister remains in middle of Gaza..for the past three days, she hasn’t had a complete full meal, running out of money with no food available to buy even if she has the cash. Her concern is not for herself but to make enough breast milk for her infant, Ahmed, also to get enough food for her other three hungry children.  

“My brother, youngest sister, and their families are with my mother in Rafah. They’ve run out of money for at least five weeks. I’ve been sending what I can, but hyperinflation has made basic items unaffordable. Like the price of salt went from around 35 cents to $10 in less than 2 months.  

“Long story short, my family is going through a catastrophic situation where if they don’t get killed by this genocide, they will be killed by diseases, hunger or thirst.” 

Rosan Eldadah, Community Member  

“Today I am here to unveil the profound impact it has on the lives of individuals within your community on a daily basis. I have personally lost 6 family members from a targeted attack by the IDF. This is the brutal truth, and the harsh reality of this genocide. My family’s story is one among millions of others, each story worse than the last.”  

Mohammed Mubarak, Students for Justice in Palestine at OSU Co-President: 

“Although it is nothing new for those living in the West Bank to fear night raids of our homes and unlawful detainment, conditions have gotten much worse in the past two months since October 7. And unfortunately, this violence has impacted my family as well.  

“Today, I want to introduce you to two of my cousins, my neighbors and my childhood playmates: Abdelghani Fares Hamed and Barra Hamed. They are both 20 years old, and intelligent college students at Birzeit University. Barraa is majoring in electrical engineering, and Abdelghani is majoring in political science and is an active leader of their undergraduate student government. 

“They were abducted from their homes in the middle of the night, blindfolded and beaten. Their whereabouts remain uncertain, and we have no idea whether they are healthy, and we are desperately seeking answers.” 

Daoud Al-Akhras, Student Activist at The Ohio State University 

“How much longer can we preach that the United States and its institutions uphold their democratic values, while I am witnessing the most brutal forms of censorship today. Government elected officials should not be able to weigh in on their opinion on how student organizations conduct their operations or suggest that they should be removed from the university on truly baseless claims, if these groups are being targeted in an undemocratic manner, how should one expect student activists to place their faith in the advertised democratic system.” 

Mazen Rasoul, Esq, Local Attorney & Activist: 

“As U.S. citizens, as Palestinian Americans, and as people who are against the killing of any human beings, we can on every American to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people calling for an immediate ceasefire, as a first step towards ending the Israeli occupation and apartheid system.” 

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, Cincinnati & Columbus Executive Director Amina Barhumi: abarhumi@cair.com | 614-763-6557

ACTION ALERT: Urge Elected Officials to Address Genocide in Palestine

by CAIR-OHIO in November, Recent News, Take Action

The time for complacency is over. Our brothers and sisters in Palestine are enduring an unrelenting genocide that demands our immediate and unwavering action. CAIR-Ohio has issued an open letter, calling on our elected officials to step up and support a ceasefire weeks ago. Yet, most of our elected representatives remain silent, failing to address this urgent humanitarian crisis or are fueling it.

Click here to take action.

As members of the Ohio Muslim community, it is our moral obligation to stand united against injustice. We cannot idly wait for our elected officials to find their voices; we must compel them to speak out. Our values of justice, compassion, and human rights demand nothing less. 

Our elected officials must be reminded that their duty is to represent our values, and right now, silence is not an option. We must mobilize, raise our collective voice, and make it resound through the halls of power.  

Read CAIR-Ohio’s Open Letter, endorsed by 46 masajid and Muslim organizations in Ohio and counting. Let it serve as a rallying cry for our community to unite, amplify our voices, and ensure that we do everything in our power to bring justice in Palestine. 

CAIR-Ohio Meets with Governor DeWine, Urges Commitment to Combat Islamophobia and Address Crisis in Palestine

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, November, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH – 11/30/23) — The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) met with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, alongside prominent leaders from Ohio mosques, to address concerns related to security and the alarming rise of Islamophobia in the state. 

The meeting, held at the Governor’s office on November 15, brought together community leaders and Governor DeWine’s office in an effort to foster understanding and cooperation in the face of growing challenges faced by the Muslim community. Key topics of discussion included enhancing security measures for mosques and Islamic centers, as well as strategies to counteract the rise of Islamophobic incidents. 

During the meeting, CAIR-Ohio and the masajid leaders presented a list of recommendations aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the Muslim community. The proposals encompassed both short-term and long-term initiatives, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts between the government and the Muslim community to address shared concerns. 

Additionally, CAIR-Ohio and 46 endorsed mosques and Muslim organizations submitted a letter to Governor DeWine addressing the ongoing crisis in Palestine. The letter outlined specific demands and called for immediate action to address the humanitarian situation and advocate for justice in the region. 

Governor DeWine expressed his commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive environment for all Ohioans and acknowledged the importance of collaborative efforts in combating Islamophobia. He assured the attendees that their concerns would be given careful consideration. 

However, it is with disappointment that CAIR-Ohio notes that despite the meeting and receipt of the letter on behalf of the broader Ohio Muslim community, Governor DeWine has yet to take tangible action on the following outlined demands:  

  1. Publicly condemn all forms of discrimination, violence, and hate crimes targeting the Muslim and Arab community in Ohio.
  2. Address Israel’s violence against civilians and settlement expansions as of late; 
  3. Express support for the sovereignty, resistance, and will of the Palestinian people, who’ve lived under Israeli occupation for over 75 years—in the same manner your office did regarding the Ukrainian people; 
  4. And to meet with our community, that include medical, legal, and human rights experts on Israeli apartheid and oppression. 

CAIR-Ohio remains dedicated to engaging in constructive dialogue with government officials and advocating for the rights and well-being of the Muslim community. We call on Governor DeWine to fulfill the promises made during the meeting and respond to the urgent concerns outlined in the letter. 

“While we appreciate the Governor’s meeting with Ohio Muslims, we now look forward to concrete actions that will combat Islamophobia and address the pressing humanitarian crisis in Palestine, including public statements on condemnation of Israel’s genocide and the rise of violence against Muslims, Arabs, Palestinians, and those perceived to be as a result of media and elected officials one-sided statements” said CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi. “CAIR-Ohio remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering a secure and harmonious environment for all, and we call on Governor DeWine to join us in turning words into impactful change.” 

TAKE ACTION: Send a letter to Gov. DeWine and other Ohio Elected Officials Urging them to Address Demands 

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, Cincinnati & Columbus Executive Director Amina Barhumi: abarhumi@cair.com | 614-763-6557 

CAIR-Ohio and MAS Columbus Co-Host Teach-In for Palestine

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, November, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH – 11/30/23) — On November 17, 2023, CAIR-Ohio and MAS Columbus joined forces to host a dynamic event titled “Steadfast for Palestine: Teach-in to be a Better Advocate.” Held as part of MAS Columbus’s Chit Chai series, this event brought together community members, activists, and advocates for an evening of enlightening discussions aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the Palestinian cause. 

The event, which took place at CAIR-Ohio’s Columbus office, featured thought-provoking discussions led by prominent voices, including representatives from Ohio State University’s Students for Justice in Palestine (OSU SJP) and the Palestinian Liberation Movement (PLM) JUST. Attendees were given the unique opportunity to engage with experts in the field, share experiences, and explore ways to become more effective advocates for justice and equality in the context of Palestine. 

The Teach-in covered a range of topics, including the historical context of the Palestinian struggle, human rights violations, and effective advocacy strategies. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions, engage in open discussions, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a commitment to justice and equality. Participants left with practical insights and resources to further their engagement and make a meaningful impact in their communities. 

ACTION ALERT: Protect the Academic Freedoms of Muslims at Public Universities

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, December, Recent News, Take Action

We need your urgent action to stop SB83 to protect students & stop the censorship of diversity in state higher education institutions. The so-called “Ohio Education Enhancement Act” enables censorship and threatens the rights of faculty, staff, and students. It targets diversity, equity, and inclusion on public college campuses by prohibiting institutions from conducting any DEI training, holding any public opinion on public policy controversies, boycotting, and providing majors or courses of study on a wide range of topics such as ethnic and controversial ideology that can include religious and society courses.

Click here to take action.

These bills directly impact religious liberty, employee rights and groups, and policies based on race among many other facets of social engagement and innovation in Ohio public schools. It also aims to ban partnerships with China which would mean a significant loss of funding for programs that connect Ohio to the world and make students global citizens.  

If passed, this bill will defund and terminate minority groups, including Muslim student organizations, such as Muslim Students Association, Students for Justice in Palestine, and Somali Student Association, who hold an integral role in advocating for uplifting and educating communities. Make no mistake—SB83 are in no form “enhancing” the experience of students & educators—it is in fact destroying academic freedom and will alter campus life at Ohio’s public colleges and universities. 

SB83 is bad for students, higher education, and Ohio’s future. Send a letter to your legislators urging them to oppose these bills.

CAIR-Ohio, Muslim Community Issue Open Letter Urging Elected Officials to Take a Stand Against Israel’s Genocidal Actions, Rise of Anti-Muslim Hate

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, November, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH – 11/15/23) — The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today joined numerous mosques and Muslim organizations in issuing an open letter addressed to Ohio elected officials, urging them to address Israel’s genocidal actions and the alarming rise of anti-Muslim hate crimes in the state.

That letter expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in the Middle East and its direct impact on the Muslim community in Ohio. The letter reveals staggering statistics related to the Israeli attacks on Gaza, in which at least 11,423 Palestinians, including 4,630 children, have been killed by Israel. The situation has not only led to a humanitarian crisis but has also fueled a surge in anti-Muslim hate crimes, assaults, and discriminatory incidents within Ohio and across the United States.

“The biased rhetoric and misinformation surrounding the situation has contributed to a hostile environment that fosters discrimination and violence against those who are Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, perceived Muslim, Jewish, and anyone else of conscience who speaks up for the human rights of Palestinians,” states the open letter. 

The full text of the open letter is available here.

CAIR reports an alarming increase in complaints of Anti-Muslim and Anti-Arab discrimination in Ohio, with CAIR-Ohio alone receiving at least 195 complaints in just one month, surpassing the total number of complaints received for the entire year of 2022. Of these, at least 151 are directly related to the situation in Palestine, marking an uptick of over 600% from the previous year, during October 7 through November 4.

In response to these troubling trends, the undersigned organizations call on Ohio elected officials to take a stand against discrimination, violence, and hate crimes targeting the Muslim and Arab community. They also urge officials to address Israel’s violence against civilians and settlement expansions, express support for the sovereignty of the Palestinian people, and meet with community representatives, including medical, legal, and human rights experts on Israeli apartheid and oppression.

“Enough is enough. Ohio is witnessing a disturbing spike in anti-Muslim hate crimes fueled by the ongoing genocide in Palestine,” said CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox. “This open letter is not just a plea; it’s a demand for accountability. Our elected officials must actively combat discrimination, condemn violence, and stand firm against any form of bigotry targeting our Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab communities.”

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 Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox: vhickcox@cair.com | (513)-906-5728

CAIR-Ohio Raises Alarm Over Dramatic Surge in Islamophobic Incidents Linked to Ongoing Crisis in Middle East

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, November, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH – 11/13/23) — The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in violence and discrimination faced by the Muslim community, directly correlated with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine.  

SEE: CAIR-Ohio Calls on Police to Probe Possible Anti-Palestinian Incident after Bloody Decapitated Doll Left in Yard  

“We are witnessing an unprecedented number of hate incidents that are both shocking and horrifying,” said CAIR-Ohio Deputy & Legal Director Lina Abbaoui. “CAIR-Ohio emphasizes the urgent need for collective action to address and rectify this disturbing trend. We must stand united against hate in all its forms and work towards ensuring the safety, well-being, and freedom of our Muslim community and anyone else who speaks up against human rights abuses.”  

She added: “CAIR-Ohio is deeply concerned about the welfare and safety of the Muslim community and urges immediate action to address the root causes of this surge in Islamophobia. We call on elected officials, community leaders, and the media to recognize the impact of their statements and work toward fostering an environment of tolerance, understanding, and respect.” 

BACKGROUNDER: 

For over the past 5 weeks, the international community has witnessed the devastating impact of Israeli forces’ attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has claimed the lives of at least 11,025 innocent Palestinian civilians, including 4,324 innocent children. At least another 25,000 civilians have been injured, translating to a heart-wrenching statistic of one Palestinian child murdered every ten minutes in Gaza.  

Tragically, the numbers continue to rise, with an additional 120 Palestinians, including 30 children, killed in the West Bank.  

The crisis and escalation in Gaza and the West Bank have prompted a marked increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes, assaults, and discriminatory incidents. The impact on the Muslim and Arab-American community’s safety is exacerbated by one-sided statements from elected officials and misinformation propagated by media outlets, fostering a hostile environment that encourages discrimination and violence against those who are Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, perceived Muslim, Jewish, and anyone advocating for the human rights of Palestinians.

SEE: CAIR-Ohio Seeks Hate Crime Probe After Vehicular Assault on Palestinian-American by Driver Shouting ‘Kill all Palestinians,’ ‘Long live Israel’

Recent data from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) paints a disturbing picture, with over 1,283 new network-wide complaints of anti-Muslim and anti-Arab discrimination in just one month. Notably, CAIR-Ohio alone has received 195 complaints in the same period, surpassing the total number for the entire year of 2022. Of these, at least 151 are directly related to the situation in Palestine.  

The statistics paint a grim picture, indicating an uptick of over 600% calls for help from October 7 through November 4 in Ohio, with more reports coming in daily. These incidents range from verbal abuse to physical assaults and discriminatory practices, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for the Muslim community in Ohio.  

SEE: CAIR-Ohio Condemns Anti-Palestinian Attacks in Columbus, Urges Officials and Media to End Anti-Palestinian Incitement  

SEE: CAIR-Ohio Condemns Anti-Muslim Rhetoric Targeting Muslim Representative  

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, Cincinnati & Columbus Executive Director Amina Barhumi: abarhumi@cair.com | 614-763-6557