Category: 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 

(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. 

(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

(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

(COLUMBUS, OH – 11/3/23) — The Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) has been at the forefront of advocating for Palestine and equipping the community with vital resources to support the cause. Through a series of impactful events, action alerts, and educational tools, CAIR-Ohio is empowering individuals across the state and nation to make a difference in the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights. 

SEE: Local Palestinians gather to grieve, call for peace 

One of CAIR-Ohio’s key initiatives has been to engage communities in advocating for Palestine by providing them with easy-to-use action alerts. These alerts have played a crucial role in mobilizing individuals to reach out to their members of Congress and urge them to address the root causes of Middle East violence and to call for an immediate ceasefire as the deaths in Palestine as a result of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza have been devastating. Current numbers are over 9,000 and growing. 

To access these action alerts and take action, please visit:  

• ACTION ALERT: Urge Your Members of Congress to Address Root Cause of Mideast Violence  
• ACTION ALERT: Urge Congress to Support Ceasefire on Gaza Now 

In addition to advocating for Palestine through action alerts and events, CAIR-Ohio has provided a range of resources and tools aimed at fostering awareness and promoting anti-prejudice education. These tools are particularly important for students and individuals who may have faced discrimination or bias in response to their advocacy for Palestinian rights. 

The provided guidance empowers individuals to confidently express their support for Palestine while addressing any misconceptions or prejudices they may encounter. 

To access these resources, please visit: 

• Anti-Prejudice Tools & Guidance for Students Targeted in Response to Palestine Rights Advocacy 
• Know Your Rights: FBI & Law Enforcement 
• Know Your Rights: Free Speech & Advocacy 
• FBI Interactions: Myth or Fact? 
• Palestine Self-Advocacy Resources 

“CAIR-Ohio continues to combat Islamophobia in all of its forms,” said CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi. “In the face of enormous grief and loss of life in Gaza, Palestine, and amid an unprecedent rise anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian sentiment, we stand our ground and refuse to be silenced. Our work to protect the civil rights and human rights of Muslims and Palestinians, is what also protects the rights of every American and human citizen around the world.” 

CAIR-Ohio’s work in advocating for Palestine and providing these vital tools highlights the organization’s commitment to justice, equity, and the protection of civil rights for all. Stay tuned for more actions happening in Ohio, follow our social media pages: Facebook, Instagram, X and subscribe to our newsletter to get updates. 
 
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

(MASON, OH – 11/3/23) — CAIR-Ohio hosted its 26th Annual Cincinnati & Dayton Banquet at the beautiful Manor House in Mason, Ohio. The event, which took place on October 22, 2023, was an evening of unity, inspiration, and empowerment, bringing together a diverse group of individuals dedicated to supporting the work of CAIR-Ohio.  

The event was an opportunity for CAIR-Ohio to express its commitment to justice, especially with the ongoing genocide in Palestine. By encouraging people to stand united in faith and values, the event showcased the strength and power that can be harnessed to address societal challenges, such as actions Ohio Muslims can take to advocate for the Palestinian cause. With the theme “Unified in Faith: Building Strength & Power,” CAIR-Ohio aimed to emphasize the importance of unity, faith, and collaboration as a means to overcome challenges and achieve collective success.  

The evening spotlighted individuals who have made significant contributions through their community service with a “Community Empowerment Award.” The “Hero Award” was also presented to a group of students and is meant to recognize individuals who transformed a personal challenge into meaningful change for all Ohioans. More information on the awardees and their bios can be found here.    

Dr. Yusuf Salaam’s presence as the esteemed keynote speaker was the highlight of the evening. Dr. Salaam is a renowned motivational speaker, activist, and one of the “Exonerated Five” formerly known as the “Central Park Five.” His powerful journey from wrongful conviction and imprisonment to exoneration and advocacy for social justice serves as an inspiration to individuals worldwide. Dr. Salaam’s words resonated deeply with the audience, leaving a lasting impact and motivating attendees to work towards positive change. 

“CAIR-Ohio’s annual banquet has become a tradition of bringing people together, celebrating our diversity, and embracing our shared values,” said CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi. “We are truly honored to have had Dr. Yusuf Salaam as our keynote speaker, and we are inspired by his message of resilience and unity.” 

Photos will be shared on our Facebook | Instagram soon. 

CAIR-Ohio extends its gratitude to all attendees, sponsors, and volunteers for making the 26th Annual Cincinnati & Dayton Banquet a success. Those who were not able to attend the banquet still can help us in protecting the civil rights of Ohio Muslims and strengthening our democracy by supporting CAIR-Ohio. Click here to donate.