From Unity to Influence: CAIR-Ohio Convenes Imams and Mosque Leadership at Masajid Retreat

COLUMBUS, OH (11-08/2026)— On Sunday, November 8, 2026, CAIR-Ohio hosted its regional Masajid Retreat, bringing together imams, mosque executive leaders, and grassroots community organizers from across Central and Southern Ohio. Convening under the theme “From Unity to Influence,” the day served as an intentional space to connect, recharge, and fortify the institutional bonds that sustain Ohio’s Muslim communities.

The gathering took place at a defining moment. With the recent elections concluded and significant political and social shifts underway nationwide, uniting in shared purpose carried heightened urgency. The retreat emphasized a core organizational principle: during periods of rapid societal change, community resilience is anchored in our masajid, nurtured in our shared spaces, and sustained by an active commitment to show up for one another.

Building Connection and Shared Narrative

The program opened with a deliberate focus on relational organizing. Rather than diving immediately into administrative business, participants were invited to introduce themselves through a single personal photograph accompanied by a one-minute reflection.

This exercise broke down regional divides and professional titles, weaving diverse personal journeys into a cohesive collective narrative. By anchoring institutional strategy in authentic relationship-building, attendees established a shared foundation of mutual trust and vulnerability before addressing broader strategic challenges.

Strategic Collaboration and National Alignment

A centerpiece of the retreat was an interactive session led by Dr. Mohammad Abbasi, who guided attendees through frameworks for inter-masjid cooperation. The workshop explored practical models for how independent mosques can align on regional advocacy, resource-sharing, and community defense while fiercely preserving their individual identities and congregational cultures.

The retreat also featured remarks from Nihad Awad, National Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Awad addressed the national civil rights landscape, underscoring the vital role Ohio’s leadership plays in the broader movement and reiterating why proactive institutional solidarity at the state level remains essential to protecting civil liberties nationwide.

Preparedness and Grassroots Defense

Looking ahead to the upcoming legislative and social challenges, leaders engaged in frank discussions regarding shared pressures—ranging from civil rights protections and non-profit governance to congregational safety.

To translate dialogue into immediate on-the-ground preparedness, every attending mosque was equipped with dedicated Know Your Rights informational posters and resources to display in their facilities, ensuring congregants have direct access to crucial legal defense guidance and emergency contact channels.

Moving Forward

Real institutional influence begins at the local level. When masajid, families, and civic organizers stand together with clarity and confidence, the collective capacity to protect rights and enact meaningful change is boundless.

As Ohio navigates this next chapter, CAIR-Ohio remains steadfast in defending constitutional freedoms, empowering local leadership, and working hand-in-hand with masajid across the state.

To learn more about CAIR-Ohio’s community resources, request a Know Your Rights workshop, or partner with our outreach team, visit www.cair-ohio.com or contact info@cair-ohio.com.

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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Khalid Turaani, 614-888-1111, KTuraani@cair.com; CAIR-Ohio Director of Community and Government Engagement Abdul Samad Amjad, 614-401-2920, aamjad@cair.com; CAIR-Ohio Regional Coordinator Tala Mohammad Ali, tali@cair.com
 
CAIR-Ohio, Central & Southern Region is the Ohio chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, working to protect civil liberties, build cross-community coalitions, and advocate for policies that uphold the dignity of Ohio’s Muslim, immigrant, and refugee communities.
 

CAIR-Ohio Hosts 10th Annual ‘The Big Table’ in Collaboration with The Columbus Foundation to Foster Dialogue on Rights, Belonging, and Human Dignity

COLUMBUS, OH (09-29/2026)— CAIR-Ohio recently joined community organizations, civic leaders, and local residents across Central Ohio for the 10th annual iteration of The Big Table, a day of community-driven conversation coordinated by The Columbus Foundation.
 
Convening neighbors at a time when collective understanding is vital, CAIR-Ohio hosted a dedicated table centered on the theme: “Let’s Talk About Our Rights: Belonging, Dignity, and Humanity.”
 
Unlike formal seminars or policy debates, the session deliberately stripped away speeches, structured panel discussions, and polarized arguments. Instead, it invited community members of diverse faiths, cultural traditions, and backgrounds to pull up a chair, sit face-to-face, and share lived experiences regarding identity, inclusion, and the foundational right to feel safe and valued in their own neighborhoods.
 
Many participants entered the room not knowing anyone present. By the conclusion of the dialogue, attendees walked away with fresh perspectives, shared vulnerabilities, and firsthand accounts of the challenges and strengths within Central Ohio’s multifaceted communities.
 
At its core, The Big Table is designed to spark open, intentional connections between neighbors who might not otherwise cross paths. For CAIR-Ohio, providing a platform where personal narratives intersect with civil rights and human dignity remains integral to building broader social cohesion.
 
 “True community resilience begins with honest conversation,” said Abdul Samad Amjad Director, Government & Community Engagement at CAIR-Ohio.
The discussions highlighted how closely civil liberties, religious identity, and social belonging are intertwined, emphasizing that safeguarding human dignity is a shared, cross-community responsibility across Ohio.
 
CAIR-Ohio extends its sincere gratitude to The Columbus Foundation for organizing and championing this initiative over the past decade, as well as to every resident who invested their time and vulnerability to participate in this year’s dialogue.
 
As polarizing rhetoric continues to challenge marginalized and minority communities, CAIR-Ohio remains committed to building bridges, advocating for constitutional rights, and fostering spaces where every Ohioan is treated with dignity and justice.
 
To learn more about CAIR-Ohio’s community engagement initiatives, educational workshops, or civil rights work, visit www.cair-ohio.com or contact info@cair-ohio.com.
 

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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Khalid Turaani, 614-888-1111, KTuraani@cair.com; CAIR-Ohio Director of Community and Government Engagement Abdul Samad Amjad, 614-401-2920, aamjad@cair.com; CAIR-Ohio Regional Coordinator Tala Mohammad Ali, tali@cair.com
 
CAIR-Ohio, Central & Southern Region is the Ohio chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, working to protect civil liberties, build cross-community coalitions, and advocate for policies that uphold the dignity of Ohio’s Muslim, immigrant, and refugee communities.
 

CAIR-Ohio Condemns Neo-Nazi March in Springfield, Calls for Unity and Accountability

(COLUMBUS, OHIO, 9/28/2026) – The Central & Southern Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned a recent demonstration in downtown Springfield, Ohio, during which masked individuals waved Nazi swastika flags.
 
 
In a statement, CAIR-Ohio Central & Southern Ohio Executive Director Khalid Turaani said:
“Displays of neo-Nazi ideology and open intimidation have no place in Springfield, nor anywhere in the state of Ohio. We unequivocally condemn this attempt to spread fear and division among our neighbors.
“We urge local leaders, law enforcement, and residents of all backgrounds to reject this hatred and stand together in defense of dignity, safety, and mutual respect for everyone who calls Ohio home.”
 
Turaani called on local officials and law enforcement to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to protect vulnerable communities.
 
He said Washington, D.C.-based CAIR stands in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
 
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
 
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CONTACT: Abdul Samad Amjad, Director of Community & Government Engagement, CAIR-Ohio Central & Southern Ohio, 614-401-2920, aamjad@cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@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
 

Press Release: CAIR-Ohio Welcomes Attempted Murder Conviction in Shooting of Three Palestinian Students in Vermont

CAIR-Ohio Welcomes Attempted Murder Conviction in Shooting of Three Palestinian Students in Vermont
(COLUMBUS, OHIO, 9/22/2026) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations, Ohio (CAIR-Ohio, Central & Southern Region), part of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, welcomed this week’s jury decision to convict a man of attempted murder for shooting three Palestinian college students, two of whom were wearing keffiyehs, nearly three years ago.
 
Jason Eaton, 51, faces up to life in prison in the November 2023 attack near the University of Vermont campus in Burlington, which left Hisham Awartani paralyzed from the waist down and his friends, Tahseen Aliahmad and Kinnan Abdalhamid, wounded. The jury rejected an insanity defense rooted in Eaton’s claims he was acting on orders from the CIA and Mossad and attempting to protect his Jewish neighbors.
 
 
In a statement, CAIR Deputy Executive Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said:
 
“We welcome the jury’s decision to convict Jason Eaton of attempted murder charges and reject the insanity defense. It is clear that Mr. Eaton targeted these Palestinian college students because they were visibly Palestinian.
 
“Fanning the flames of hate can very easily lead to violence, which is exactly what we have witnessed over the past three years. The pattern of violence that began with the murder of 6-year-old Wadea in Chicago by a man who hated Muslims and the shooting of these three Palestinian college students has not subsided in the three years since then. Political leaders must reject the bigotry of those elected officials who still fan the flames of anti-Palestinian racism and anti-Muslim hate today.
 
“We pray for the full recovery of the victims of this shooting and stand in solidarity with them and their families. We urge all Americans to join together in repudiation of anti-Muslim hate and anti-Palestinian racism.”
 
CAIR previously welcomed the arrest of the perpetrator of the shooting.
 
CAIR also offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator.
 
CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Khalid Turaani, 614-888-1111, KTuraani@cair.com; CAIR-Ohio Director of Community and Government Engagement Abdul Samad Amjad, 614-401-2920, aamjad@cair.com; CAIR-Ohio Regional Coordinator Tala Mohammad Ali, tali@cair.com
 
CAIR-Ohio, Central & Southern Region is the Ohio chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, working to protect civil liberties, build cross-community coalitions, and advocate for policies that uphold the dignity of Ohio’s Muslim, immigrant, and refugee communities.
 

Rising Together for Justice: CAIR-Ohio Community Gathers at Annual Columbus Banquet Featuring Cenk Uygur

HILLIARD, OH (09/19/2026) — On Saturday, September 19, hundreds of community members, civic advocates, faith leaders, students, and families gathered at The Makoy Center in Hilliard for The 2026 CAIR-Ohio Columbus Banquet: Rising Together for Justice.
 
Framed around an enduring commitment to solidarity and collective resilience, the evening offered one night to honor four outstanding leaders from our own community, to sit with our neighbors, and to support the vital legal and advocacy work of CAIR-Ohio.
 
Each year, the Columbus Banquet serves as a vital gathering for those who understand what it takes to protect vulnerable neighbors and respond when families are targeted by discrimination, bigotry, or injustice. 
 
The evening’s keynote address was delivered by political commentator, author, and media host Cenk Uygur. Addressing an engaged audience, Uygur spoke on the critical importance of independent voices, grassroots civil rights organizing, and holding institutions accountable. His remarks resonated strongly with attendees, emphasizing the necessity of courageous civic participation and standing firm in defense of constitutional liberties, equal justice, and human dignity amid challenging political climates.
 
A central highlight of the banquet was recognizing leaders whose grassroots work, selflessness, and advocacy have carried the community through critical moments. CAIR-Ohio proudly honored:
  • Dr. Nimo Mohamed Abdi: Trailblazer award.
     
  • Abdikarin Mohamed: Emerging Leader Award.
     
  • Fadi Suleiman:Community Impact Award.
     
  • Our Helpers:  Dr. Dorothy Hassan, CEO of Our Helpers, with the Spirit of Service Award.
CAIR-Ohio extends its deepest gratitude to every guest, sponsor, donor, and volunteer whose dedication made this year’s gathering an inspiring success.
 
For those who were unable to attend or wish to continue supporting CAIR-Ohio’s year-round legal defense and advocacy work, tax-deductible contributions can be made securely online at www.cair-ohio.com/donate.
 

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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Khalid Turaani, 614-888-1111, KTuraani@cair.com; CAIR-Ohio Director of Community and Government Engagement Abdul Samad Amjad, 614-401-2920, aamjad@cair.com; CAIR-Ohio Regional Coordinator Tala Mohammad Ali, tali@cair.com
 
CAIR-Ohio, Central & Southern Region is the Ohio chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, working to protect civil liberties, build cross-community coalitions, and advocate for policies that uphold the dignity of Ohio’s Muslim, immigrant, and refugee communities.
 

CAIR-Ohio, Community Leaders to Hold Vigil for Pierre Damas Bel, Honor Student Who Died Amid Immigration Enforcement Ordeal

Later today, (September 2, at 6 p.m.) the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Ohio (CAIR-Ohio, Central & Southern Region), together with local organizations, faith leaders, and activists, will hold a community vigil at Columbus City Hall to honor Pierre Damas Bel, a 20-year-old Haitian immigrant and Wright State University student who died by suicide Monday. Attendees are asked to bring candles.

[NOTE: This release discusses a death by suicide connected to immigration enforcement. If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. Call or text 988.]

Bel was an honor roll student at Springfield High School, a JROTC cadet, and a college soccer player. He came to the U.S. in 2024 through the CBP One program and settled in Springfield with his family. After losing Temporary Protected Status following a Supreme Court ruling, Bel was placed into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) “alternatives to detention” program in July and required to wear a GPS ankle monitor. He wrote publicly that the device left him carrying “shame and humiliation” he never imagined experiencing. His family says the resulting bullying and humiliation broke him.

Bel’s death follows the loss of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for roughly 300,000 Haitian nationals nationwide, including thousands in Springfield, where dozens have been detained in recent weeks. Advocates believe it is the first Springfield suicide connected to ICE.

“Pierre is dead because a policy stripped away his protection and threw his life into crisis,” said Khalid Turaani, Executive Director of CAIR-Ohio, in Columbus. “This wasn’t an accident of fate, it was the direct, expected result of an immigration system that has grown crueler by design, and a political climate that has made it acceptable to humiliate people like Pierre. Today it is Haitian families torn apart. As a Muslim civil rights organization, we know exactly how quickly it becomes someone else tomorrow, and it ends with anyone who dares to speak up. We are asking everyone in Columbus who believes in immigrant families’ dignity to stand with us Wednesday evening, grieve Pierre, and say clearly: we will not stay silent while our neighbors are humiliated and discarded. Silence is acquiescence. Show up. Speak up.”

The vigil is open to the public and press.

WHAT: Community Vigil for Pierre Damas Bel 

WHEN: Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 6:00 p.m. 

WHERE: Columbus City Hall, 90 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215 

CONTACT: Khalid Turaani, Executive Director, CAIR-Ohio, KTuraani@cair.com, (313) 888-1111

CAIR-Ohio, Central & Southern Region is the Ohio chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, working to protect civil liberties, build cross-community coalitions, and advocate for policies that uphold the dignity of Ohio’s Muslim, immigrant, and refugee communities.

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CAIR-Ohio Joins Faith Leaders in Urging Gov. DeWine to Stop Deportation of Imam Ayman Soliman

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, Ohio (CAIR-Ohio) yesterday joined dozens of interfaith leaders and community members at the Ohio Statehouse to deliver a letter to Governor Mike DeWine, urging him to act immediately to prevent the deportation of Imam Ayman Soliman, a Cincinnati imam and hospital chaplain currently being held in ICE custody.

More than 1,100 Ohioans have signed on in support of Imam Soliman, calling on the Governor to intervene before his scheduled hearing on Tuesday, August 26, in Cleveland. Advocates warn that deportation would place him in imminent danger if returned to Egypt, amounting to what faith leaders have called a “death sentence.”

“Imam Ayman has dedicated his life to serving Ohio families with compassion and faith,” said Khalid Turaani, Executive Director of CAIR-Ohio (Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton). “Governor DeWine has both the moral and political responsibility to ensure that an Ohio faith leader is not deported to certain harm. We urge him to act before it is too late.”

Since his detention last month, CAIR-Ohio has stood alongside interfaith partners, immigrant rights advocates, and legal representatives in calling for Imam Soliman’s release. His case has drawn widespread attention, with faith leaders across traditions joining together to defend his right to remain with his family and congregation in Ohio.

CAIR-Ohio will continue to advocate for Imam Soliman and calls on community members to raise their voices until he is freed and safe from deportation.

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

CAIR Ohio Calls for Immediate Release of Cincinnati Chaplain Detained by ICE

The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) has called for the immediate release of Imam Ayman Soliman, a respected Muslim chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and imam at Clifton Mosque, who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

SEE: Former Cincinnati Children’s chaplain detained by ICE – USA Today

Imam Ayman Soliman immigrated to the United States from Egypt over a decade ago and was granted asylum based on credible fears of political persecution. He has no criminal record and has lived here for years under lawful asylum status. In December 2024, his asylum was unexpectedly revoked without clear explanation or due process.

He was detained during a routine ICE check-in. Imam Ayman is widely respected for his service to the Cincinnati community, including his role as the first official Islamic chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where he has provided essential spiritual care to patients and families.

His detention raises serious concerns about due process and the integrity of the U.S. asylum system. Given his history of political activism in Egypt, Imam Ayman faces grave risk of persecution, imprisonment, or even death if deported.

CAIR Ohio strongly condemns this unjust detention and calls on federal immigration authorities to:

  • Immediately release Imam Ayman Soliman and halt deportation proceedings
  • Restore his asylum status.
  • Ensure full transparency in ICE’s decision making and uphold all legal protections for asylum seekers.

In a statement, CAIR-OH Executive Director Khalid Turaani said:

“This is an unconscionable abuse of power that puts the life of a kind and dedicated community leader at risk. Imam Ayman has served Cincinnati with compassion and integrity. Revoking his asylum without cause or process is not only cruel, it is a betrayal of America’s values. We demand his immediate release and a full investigation into this injustice.”

In a statement, CAIR-OH Staff AttorneyBilal Ahmed, Esq., said:

“Imam Ayman’s shockingly abrupt detention raises great concerns regarding potential due process violations. Imam Ayman came to the United States from Egypt to escape precisely the type of arbitrary detention he is facing now. We are truly saddened by the developments in his case, but remain committed to assisting Imam Ayman in whatever capacity we can.”

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.

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.          

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CONTACTS: Khalid Turaani, Executive Director, CAIR Ohio, kturaani@cair.com; Bilal Ahmed, Staff Attorney, CAIR Ohio, b.ahmed@cair.com; Caisha Abdullahi, Government Affairs and Outreach Coordinator, CAIR Ohio, cabdullahi@cair.com

Press Conference: Demanding Justice for Somali Family Targeted in Violent Hate Crime

COLUMBUS — In a press conference, the Columbus and Cincinnati Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), United Bantu of Ohio, and partner organizations lamented the lack of action from the Columbus Division of Police following a violent hate crime on March 20, and called for an immediate response.

On the same day, the Columbus Dispatch revealed new details about the poor investigation conducted by the Columbus Division of Police. The entire attack was captured on video, including the physical assault against Faith*, an Ohio mom, and a death threat made against her entire family. Faith immediately contacted the police, who came and interviewed the assailants — but made no arrests.

The attackers are known to the victim, the police, and the apartment complex, which forced the individuals to move out. The entire ordeal was captured on video. The assailants even showed their anti-immigrant bias in a post-assault interview with police, saying that Faith addressed them “in whatever (expletive) language she speaks.”

Three weeks later, the victim and her community are still waiting for arrests to be made. Faith, the victim, and the leaders supporting her are shocked that no charges have yet been filed. 

Community leader Anisa Liban emceed the press conference. Speakers were:

  • Khalid Turaani, Executive Director of CAIR-Ohio’s Columbus and Cincinnati Chapter 
  • Deqa Haji, Executive Director of Zamzam Women & Family Center
  • Lynn Tramonte, Executive Director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance
  • Ali Hussein, President of United Bantu of Ohio

Their demands of the Columbus Police include:

  • Fully prosecuting the assailants with appropriate charges for this hate crime.
  • Subpoenaing and reviewing all available CCTV footage from apartment complex and surrounding businesses.
  • Ensuring that law enforcement officers receive proper training in cultural competency and sensitivity, to better serve our diverse community.

*We are using an alias to protect the family’s identity.

Press Release: CAIR-Ohio Condemns Arrest of University of Cincinnati Student Over Palestinian Flag, Citing Free Speech Violations

CAIR-Ohio Condemns Arrest of a University of Cincinnati Student
(COLUMBUS, OHIO, 4/3/2025) – The Columbus- and Cincinnati-based Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the arrest of a University of Cincinnati student by law enforcement allegedly for waiving a Palestinian flag.
On April 1, videos showed five police officers arresting a student activist on University of Cincinnati’s campus. CAIR-Ohio is concerned that the incident is part of the increased hostility on college campuses toward student activists over pro-Palestinian, anti-genocide views and the use of Palestinian symbols. 
“We unequivocally condemn the arrest of student activists and the alleged attack on free speech and academic freedom. We are appalled by these reported acts of aggression targeting those opposed to the genocide in Gaza and call on all Americans to defend the right to free speech,’’ said Khalid Turaani, Executive Director of CAIR-Ohio, Columbus, Cinnicnnnati and Dayton.
 
This arrest on the University of Cincinnati’s campus follows a series of arrests nationwide including Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil, Georgetown Scholar Badar Khan Suri and Tufts PhD student Rumeysa Ozturk, among at least a dozen others who remain in government custody.
The increased arrests by local police and FBI agents have led to the forced disappearings of students to detention facilities in Louisiana and the immediate revoking of their visas.  In Khalil’s case, he was told his green card had been revoked, a statement that was later blocked by a federal judge and requires evidence not yet provided by the Trump Administration.
CAIR-Ohio expresses solidarity with student activists nationwide and 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.
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.