On May 16, CAIR-Ohio participated in the 2026 Cleveland Marathon, joining over 13,000 runners in a citywide celebration of health, resilience, and community. For the third year in a row, CAIR-Ohio sponsored Team Palestine, a powerful initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), an organization providing life-saving medical care and humanitarian relief to Palestinian children.
CAIR-Ohio’s Executive Director, Faten Husni Odeh, crossed the finish line side-by-side with Dr. Robin Schaer, a member of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) Cleveland. Team Palestine was represented by a diverse and passionate group of runners who not only completed the race but also helped raise funds and awareness for Palestinian orphans in need.
Layali Muhammad, PCRF Cleveland Volunteer Vice President , said: “Team Palestine has been a part of the Cleveland Marathon for 5 years. This year we had 176 team members- we just keep growing, which is amazing! This year we were able to raise about $75,000 and counting for the PCRF Orphan Sponsorship Program. I love watching everyone cross the finish line. It warms my heart to see everyone accomplish something so special.”
Through physical endurance and collective action, Team Palestine reminded marathon spectators and fellow runners that advocacy can take many forms—from the streets to the finish line.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-OH Executive Director, Northern Ohio, Faten Odeh
(216) 830-2247, fodeh@cair.com