CAIR Welcomes ‘Long Overdue’ Gaza Ceasefire, Calls for Concrete Steps to End Occupation

by Khalid Turaani in 2025, December, Recent News, Take Action

(COLUMBUS, OH, 01/17/2025) – The Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Columbus welcomes the news of a pending ceasefire in Gaza, albeit long overdue after more than 15 months of genocide and overshadowed by the mass destruction and loss of over 46,000 Palestinians as a result of Israel’s military campaign.

During this period, the longest compared to previous attacks on Gaza, universities, schools, hospitals, places of worship and even tents were turned into scenes of massacres. Many doctors, nurses and humanitarian relief workers were targeted and killed by Israel. Moreover, Israel has obstructed aid and left the population of Gaza divided between North and South without adequate food, water, shelter, medical care, or daily necessities. The scale of destruction in Gaza is unprecedented, and the collective trauma endured by its people cannot be overstated. For the first time, the acronym WCNSF emerged out of the Gazan Strip: wounded child, no surviving family.

While the ceasefire halts the immediate violence, offering a fragile relief, CAIR-Ohio stresses that true peace in Palestine cannot be achieved without justice and without addressing the deeply seated and ongoing violence: the illegal occupation of Palestinian land and systemic oppression of the Palestinian people which has been ongoing for more than 76 years.

“While we welcome the ceasefire, we remain vigilant and committed to advocating for real and lasting change,” said Khalid Turaani, Executive Director of CAIR-Ohio Columbus. “This is a reminder that the work continues. We call on our public officials to take concrete steps beyond rhetoric. Meaningful action is needed to ensure that this ceasefire marks the beginning of a lasting resolution to ensure justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental human rights.”

As an American civil rights organization, CAIR-Ohio calls on the American government and representatives to stop the aid to Israel and to adhere to national and international laws that prohibit exporting American weapons for the use in war crimes as well as to hold Israel accountable.

The resilience of the Palestinian people in the face of unimaginable adversity inspires us to continue amplifying their voices and standing in solidarity with all communities that face injustice. Similarly, the courage of students and their activism must be celebrated and acknowledged. In the past year, CAIR-Ohio and other chapters have received numerous complaints filed over anti-Palestinian harassment and discrimination in schools, on college campuses, and beyond.

As America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, CAIR remains dedicated to protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims. CAIR has three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland.

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Contact: CAIR Ohio Executive Director Khalid Turaani, kturaani@cair.com

CAIR Ohio Outreach Coordinator Caisha Abdullahi cabdullahi@cair.com

CAIR Ohio Communications Coordinator Sara Abou Rashed sabourashed@cair.com

CAIR-Ohio Confronts Anti-Palestinian Harassment at The Mall at Fairfield

by Khalid Turaani in 2025, December, press release, Recent News

(Columbus, Ohio, 1/16/2025) Recently, The Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Columbus (CAIR-Ohio Columbus) resolved a verbal and physical discrimination incident that occurred on October 24, 2024, at The Mall at Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek, Ohio.

The victim, a mother shopping with her Palestinian son, was verbally and physically assaulted by two female workers (later identified as an employee and store owner) for wearing a “Free Palestine” shirt. The two workers verbally abused the mother with racially charged and anti-Palestinian insults. As she tried to record the incident, they grabbed her by the arm and shouted slurs at her. The workers then called mall security, falsely accusing the mother of being the instigator.

While mall security de-escalated the situation, the mother and her son were left distressed without formal resolution and the aggressors without consequence. When the mother’s complaint to mall management went unanswered, she sought CAIR-Ohio’s help.

The legal director of CAIR-Ohio’s Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati, Jwayyed Jwayyed, contacted the general manager of The Mall at Fairfield Commons and demanded a formal investigation, a public apology, and reinforced commitment to a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons.

On January 8, 2025, CAIR-Ohio received notice from the legal department of the owner company of The Mall at Fairfield commons, WPG, which also owns Polaris Fashion Place and major shopping centers across the nation. They confirmed receipt of CAIR’s letter and that the store owner and employee in question were formally reprimanded and informed of further disciplinary action if such harassment reoccurs. The company affirmed its disapproval of the discriminatory incident and its commitment to the safety and inclusion for all patrons regardless of background.  

“We appreciate that the management of the Mall at Fairfield Commons took swift action in addressing the harassment and reprimanding the individuals involved,’’ said Jwayyed, CAIR-Ohio’s legal director. “However, this incident is one of many we receive weekly. While a small win, it highlights the urgent need for stronger policies against intimidation and discrimination.

No one should fear harassment simply for expressing their views or showing up as who they are, and we will hold accountable those who attempt to silence or threaten others.”

CAIR-Ohio is committed to pursuing any incidents of harassment, discrimination or intimidation to protect the civil rights, dignity, and safety of all individuals, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity. To report an incident, file this form.