CAIR-Ohio Testifies in Opposition to Resolution that Harms Voters

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, May, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH, 5/4/23) – On Tuesday, May 2, CAIR-Ohio Government Affairs Director Anisa Liban presented testimony to the House Constitutional Resolutions Committee in opposition to Senate Joint Resolution (S.J.R.) 2. 

S.J.R. 2 will require a vote of at least 60%, as opposed to a simple majority of 50% plus 1, of the electors to approve any constitutional amendment and to modify the procedures for an initiative petition proposing a constitutional amendment. This will pose barriers for Ohioans to pass citizen-led ballot initiatives to amend the state constitution and will leave a harmful impact on not only voting rights, but healthcare access, access to education, civil and economic justice, and much more. 

“If an amendment is going to apply to every Ohioan, we at CAIR-Ohio believe then every community should have a say in putting that potential constitution amendment on the ballot,” said Liban. 

View Anisa’s full testimony here. 

CAIR-Ohio Calls on Ohio Muslims to Make Their Voices Heard at National Muslim Advocacy Day

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

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/2/23) – CAIR-Ohio joins the US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) to invite members of the American Muslim community to register for the 8th annual National Muslim Advocacy Day.  

This year, the National Muslim Advocacy Day will again take place in person on Monday, June 12, and Tuesday, June 13 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.     

USCMO is encouraging participants to register at least one month before the event, and no later than Sunday, June 4.     

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

All representatives for national, state, and local Muslim organizations and communities are encouraged to register for this two-day advocacy event. Muslim delegates and activists will meet with congressional offices to discuss the most pressing issues impacting American Muslims in today’s political climate.       

“As American Muslims, we have a responsibility to engage in the democratic process and advocate for issues that affect our community. National Muslim Advocacy Day provides a crucial opportunity for us to meet with our congressional representatives and ensure that our voices are heard, said CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi. “As we approach this event, we are proud to continue promoting civic engagement and demonstrating that American Muslims are an integral part of our democracy. I look forward to joining my fellow Muslims in Washington, D.C., and advocating for the issues that matter to us.” 

Among the issues being advocated for, USCMO advocacy day delegates will be calling on Congress to reintroduce Congresswomen Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Jan Schakowsky and Senator Corey Booker’s Combating International Islamophobia Act legislation to address the rise in incidents of Islamophobia worldwide.     

For those who would like additional advocacy techniques and a more in-depth rundown on the advocacy day’s focused issues, there will be a series of online training seminars for those registered before the event. USCMO will also provide a day-of-event training at Congress for all participating Muslim community members.     

Last year, more than 300 delegates from 20 states met with more than 200 elected officials and congressional staffers during the seventh annual National Muslim Advocacy Day. Past participants have posted photos and commentary about National Muslim Advocacy Day on social media using the hashtag #MuslimHillDay. 

For more information about the event or how your Muslim organization or community can participate, please contact the USCMO at: advocacy@uscmo.org.      

You can also find more information on the history of the event and view videos from previous years here. 

CAIR-Ohio Condemns Violence Against Worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, April, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH – 4/5/23) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) strongly condemns the recent violent attacks on Palestinian worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. According to reports, Israeli occupying forces stormed the mosque during prayer and assaulted worshippers, resulting in dozens of injuries. 

SEE: Israeli forces attack worshippers in violent Al-Aqsa Mosque raid 

As an organization dedicated to combating Islamophobia and protecting the civil liberties of Muslims, CAIR-Ohio stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemns the violent abuse against innocent worshippers.  

In a statement, CAIR-Ohio, Columbus & Cincinnati Executive Director Amina Barhumi said: 

“We are outraged by the brutal attack on Palestinian worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is especially egregious considering it is the holiest month for Muslims. This is a blatant violation of their fundamental right to practice their religion freely and without fear. The Israeli government’s systematic oppression of Palestinians, including the use of violence against innocent civilians, is a form of institutionalized Islamophobia that must be addressed by the international community.” 

Following the initial attack, Israel continued its assault on the Gaza Strip, with airstrikes targeting civilian areas and causing widespread destruction and loss of life. CAIR-Ohio condemns these acts of aggression against innocent Palestinians and calls for an immediate end to the violence. 

SEE: Israel attacks Gaza Strip, Al-Aqsa Mosque 

CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh added, “We urge the US government to take immediate action to address this grave injustice and to defend the human rights of Palestinians and to pass the ‘Combating International Islamophobia Act’, which would track these incidents globally. We also call on all people of conscience to speak out against this violence and to support efforts to end the illegal Israeli occupation.” 

CAIR-Ohio joins the global community in demanding that Israel immediately ceases its violent attacks on Palestinian worshippers and respect the human rights of all Palestinians and the holy site of Al-Aqsa, especially during this holy month of Ramadan. 

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. CAIR-Ohio has offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.  

END 

CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Columbus & Cincinnati Executive Director Amina Barhumi, abarhumi@cair.com, 614-763-6557; CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247 

Deadline Extended for 2023 SIDP Applications

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, March, Recent News

CAIR-Ohio’s 2023 Summer Internship Development Program applications are now due by Sunday, April 9th! A few spots left for applicants in Columbus.

If you’re interested in joining our four-week training intensive designed to jump-start college students’ skills and empower them to become civically engaged community members, apply here.

Interns will develop professional skills, gain insight into the societal impact of public service, create important community connections, and obtain work experience to help advance their future academic and professional endeavors.

Interns will work across all departments and gain hands-on experience in the following areas:

  • Research & Policy – Interns will provide support in developing research projects that are aligned with the community’s needs and priorities, and in evidence-based policymaking and advocacy efforts aimed at improving the lives of Muslims in Ohio.
  • Outreach & Government Affairs – Interns will support in organizing and mobilizing Muslims around campaigns and in compiling and designing educational resources to help in empowering the Muslim community.
  • Communications & Media – Interns will work closely with the Communications & Media Team to assist in communication-related content and processes, including crafting compelling press releases, organizing and supporting press conferences, and assisting with content creation.
  • Legal & Civil Rights – Interns will work closely with the Legal & Civil Rights Team to assist in research and case preparation, organize oral arguments and participate in simulated legal proceedings, and participate in community outreach and education efforts.

New Voter ID Requirements in Ohio

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, March, Recent News

Governor DeWine signed HB 458 into law in January 2023, which brings about significant changes to Ohio’s election process. Unfortunately, Ohio voters have lost some essential voting freedoms as a result.

Previously, Ohioans had the freedom to vote using alternative forms of identification, such as a utility bill, government document, or paycheck. However, with the new law in effect, voters now have only two options: vote in person with photo ID required or vote by mail without photo ID required.

Learn more here.

What does Ohio’s new voting law do?
The new anti-voter law:

  • Forces in-person voters to use an unexpired photo ID to vote, during the early voting period, or on Election Day. There are only four acceptable photo IDs. They are an Ohio driver’s license, an Ohio-issued state identification card, a U.S. or state military ID, or passport.
  • Limits drop boxes to one location per county that are open 24/7 during early voting. 
  • Shortens the absentee ballot request window; ballots now must be requested a full week before Election Day (by 5pm 7 days before Election Day) as opposed to the previous Saturday by noon.
  • Adds non-citizen designation on driver’s license and state ID cards.
  • Eliminates the last day of early voting, the Monday before Election Day.
  • Mandates that absentee ballots must be received by County Board of Elections four days after Election Day, as opposed to ten days.
  • Changes curbside voting rules so that only those with a physical disability or those physically unable to enter a polling location are eligible for this option.
  • Shortens the window to cure provisional ballots from seven days to four days.

View our Voter Guide for more information on voting in the upcoming special election. Deadline to register to vote or update your registration is April 3.

Celebrating Women’s History Month and Muslim Women’s Day!

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, March, Recent News

Happy Muslim Women’s Day! As we celebrate Women’s History Month, CAIR-Ohio is honored to recognize and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Muslim women in our local communities. These women are breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes in a variety of fields, including healthcare, education, social justice, and beyond. 

Their tireless efforts and dedication to their work are truly inspiring and have a profound impact on the lives of those around them. They are role models, leaders, and change-makers, and their unwavering dedication to their work is truly commendable. Let us continue to support and uplift these women as they continue to make a profound impact on our community and in their fields.

Learn more about these amazing Muslim women and their work:

2023 Women’s History Month Highlights – Tahseen Naiyer

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, March

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, CAIR-Ohio is honored to recognize and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Muslim women in our local communities. These women are breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes in a variety of fields, including healthcare, education, social justice, and beyond.

Tahseen Naiyer — Islamic School Teacher, Muslim Chaplain at Ohio Reformatory for Women 

Tahseen Naiyer has an MS in Physiology, and a M Phil in Pathophysiology. She has been an active member of the Columbus Muslim community for over 30 years. Together with Sr. Shahida Khan, she has been conducting a Women’s Halaqa for Urdu-speaking sisters for nearly three decades, starting at Masjid Omar Khattab and continuing at Noor Islamic Cultural Center. During the day, Tahseen teaches at a private Islamic school in Columbus, where she finds great satisfaction in seeing her students grow and develop as they learn new material. 

In addition, Tahseen serves as a Muslim Chaplain at Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville, Ohio. Most of the incarcerated Muslim women she works with are converts, with diverse ethnic backgrounds including African Americans, White Americans, Somalis, Palestinians, and Latinos. Being an incarcerated Muslim woman presents unique challenges, and Tahseen finds some of the women she works with inspiring in their efforts to learn and implement Islam while in prison. 

When these women leave prison, they often face significant reintegration challenges and are invisible to the Muslim community at large. Tahseen believes that they need support, especially since they typically receive only $18-20 per month, which limits their ability to afford essential Islamic materials such as hijabs, prayer rugs, dates for Ramadan, and sweets for Eid. As such, Tahseen encourages the community to provide any support they can, both while these women are incarcerated and after their release. Individual contributions can make a significant impact on their lives.  

To donate, contact Tahseen at TahseenNaiyer@yahoo.com. 

2023 Women’s History Month Highlights – Dr. Zaiba Malik

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, March

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, CAIR-Ohio is honored to recognize and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Muslim women in our local communities. These women are breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes in a variety of fields, including healthcare, education, social justice, and beyond.

Dr. Zaiba Malik, MD – Ophthalmologist, CEO, Medical Director, Consultant, Educator, Speaker 

Zaiba Malik, M.D. is a board- certified Ophthalmologist, specializing in comprehensive, cataract, and global ophthalmology.  After attending medical school at the University of Miami, she completed her internship and ophthalmology residency at Henry Ford Hospital in 2005. She has experience in both academic and private practice. She is currently an attending at Kettering Hospital in Dayton, involved with resident education and training. In addition to clinical practice, she is a Medical Director and Therapeutic Lead at Medpace, a global CRO, providing full service clinical development to biopharmaceutical and medical device companies. She is sought out by small biotechs to consult as a strategic lead for drug development teams due to her ability to effectively design protocols in ophthalmology trials that meet regulatory rigor, distinguish the product from its competitive landscape, and make meaningful improvements in patients’ treatments. 

Dr. Malik has been serving as Assistant Clinical Professor in the Surgery Department at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine since 2008. She participates in the global health education advisory, the scholarship in medicine, and the medical school admissions committees.  She is passionate about global health and conducts yearly humanitarian camps mostly partnering with NGOs to provide cataract surgery to economically underserved areas. She believes in engaging all stakeholders to share resources and strategies in a more collaborative and sustainable approach to global eye care delivery. 

Dr. Malik currently has several professional affiliations, board positions, and involvement in societies including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic World Leaders, American Muslim Health Professional, ORBIS, the YWCA, Women Walking West, and Women in Ophthalmology. She has authored numerous publications in the field of ophthalmology and speaks nationally and internationally on sustainable global health, professional development, nonclinical careers, and leadership. 

Much of her local volunteer time has been centered around the themes of equity through addressing racial, gender, and health disparities.  

Her professional honors and awards include the AAO Achievement Award, Excellence in the Field of Ophthalmology, Women Leads Award, YWCA Outstanding Women of Achievement Award, The Ophthalmologists 2021 Power List of Top 100 Women in Ophthalmology, and Henry Ford’s 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award. 

Connect with Dr. Malik and follow her work on LinkedIn. 

2023 Women’s History Month Highlights – Dr. Dorothy Hassan

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, March

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, CAIR-Ohio is honored to recognize and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Muslim women in our local communities. These women are breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes in a variety of fields, including healthcare, education, social justice, and beyond.

Dr. Dorothy Hassan, Ph.D. — CEO of Our Helpers, Adjunct Professor at eCornell 

For over 15 years, Dr. Dorothy Hassan has been a noteworthy community leader and voice for adult English language learners around the globe. With teaching experience from 3 different countries and lived experience as an expatriate living abroad for more than a decade, cultural humility is her superpower. She is an adjunct professor at Cornell University and her published works in the field of DE & I and Cultural Competence are a small part of her voice for positive social change. She is also a champion for mental health awareness and wellness. Dr. Hassan is currently serving as the Executive Director at Our Helpers. As a minority woman leader of a nonprofit organization, Dr. Hassan is committed to building the capacity of immigrant and refugee families of Central Ohio. 

Connect with Dr. Hassan on LinkedIn. 

2023 Women’s History Month Highlights – Dr. Marium Husain

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, March

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, CAIR-Ohio is honored to recognize and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Muslim women in our local communities. These women are breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes in a variety of fields, including healthcare, education, social justice, and beyond.

Dr. Marium Husain, MD, MPH – Oncologist, President of IMANA 

Dr. Marium Husain, MD, MPH is an oncologist at The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center. She graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed a residency in Internal Medicine. 

Marium has been working on community service projects in the Columbus area and abroad for the past 10 years. As the President of the national non-profit, IMANA (Islamic Medical Association of North America), she has been working on the National Muslim Task Force on COVID-19, public health education and creating domestic campaigns for food insecurity, reproductive health, mental health and climate change. IMANA is a leading resource and network for American-Muslim physicians, dentists and other healthcare professionals in North America. 

She also helped start the Muslim Healthcare Professionals Advocacy Network (MPAN), now under CAIR-Ohio. The network’s goal is to help promote advocacy, expertise and engagement of healthcare professionals.  

Marium has a strong passion for social justice projects, including climate change/global warming, food insecurity and women’s rights. Faith is a driving force in her life, and she has seen the profound impact of integrating science and faith in her own life. 

Connect with Dr. Husain on LinkedIn.