Mosque visit helps to dispel stereotypes
by Miriam Ortiz Rush

(Plain Press, January 2008) On Thursday, November 29th a group of City of Cleveland safety officials, Cleveland Municipal Housing Court Judge Raymond L. Pianka and Housing Court staff visited the Islamic Center of Greater Cleveland located on West 130th street. The visit consisted of a tour of the mosque and an overview of the Islamic faith and concluded with a discussion and a buffet luncheon of Middle Eastern foods.

This visit was significant because it provided time for open dialogue in which members of the Muslim community answered questions from the attendees. Those in attendance agreed that the more knowledgeable people are there is less likelihood to believe stereotypes.

Yasir Hamdallah, a deputy bailiff for the Cleveland Municipal Housing Court, arranged the visit. Hamdallah, who also serves on the Community Relations Board for the City of Cleveland, is involved in many Arab-American organizations throughout the City of Cleveland.

Blaine Griffin, Director of Community Relations for the City of Cleveland, said, “there has been a lot of interest in learning more about different faiths and we plan to offer more tours of this nature”.   

Judge Pianka stated,“the Housing Court has a diverse staff which interacts with people from all different backgrounds and it is important that we learn as much as possible so that we can serve the community in the best way possible.”

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