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!