The Need

Before September 11, 2001, Zarina Siddiqi enjoyed her work at Metro Hospital. She and her fellow Muslim employees worked well with their American peers. When tragedy struck that sunny fall morning, everything changed.

Zarina saw the need to reach out to her fellow workers, letting them know she was Muslim. This act led to conversations, connections, and outreach.

Wanting to foster an increase in the public’s awareness of Islam, Zarina went to libraries throughout Greater Cleveland. There she distributed books by The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), funded by Muslim donations. 

These brave steps would have a powerful impact on her community and city.

The Solution

Before September 11, 2001, Zarina Siddiqi enjoyed her work at Metro Hospital. She and her fellow Muslim employees worked well with their American peers. When tragedy struck that sunny fall morning, everything changed.

Now the scene was set to encourage unity and social harmony among Muslims, and to elevate understanding between different faiths and ethnicities.

To accomplish these goals, she encouraged Muslim Women to join charitable organizations and to serve and support them. Zarina knew that “Seeing a simple act of human kindness can make people more loving, compassionate, and forgiving.”

A small group of Muslim women came forward. Soon many others joined, from the East side of Cleveland to the West.

Salaam Cleveland was born.

2001 - The Beginning

When Salaam Cleveland began it was a Muslim women’s organization. They quickly established an executive committee. This determined group relied only on each other for funding. They chose projects and activities based on their locations, interests, and availability.
Those early days were filled with email conversations planning their efforts. The women were busy working in shelters, preparing Holiday meals & baskets, walking for causes, and handing out blankets to those in need.
The group’s initiative was based on common ethical principles and their projects were chosen to benefit both Muslim and non-Muslim communities. The group sincerely believed that tolerance and unity are essential for mutual respect and actively promoted diversity. They put their beliefs into action. During Ramadan, Salaam Cleveland provides food to a Christian base women’s shelter as well as to a mosque for Muslim refugees.
Starting with 18 volunteers, within 2 years they grew to over 60 women.

2002 - Cleveland

In 2002, Afghani Refugees came to Cleveland. Zahid Siddiqi was asked by the Catholic Charity for help. He and the women at Salaam Cleveland met and welcomed the Afghani’s when they arrived in the city. From that point, a refugee rehabilitation effort was started.

Milestones

2003 - The MRI Society

With the influx of refugees to the Cleveland area, Salaam Cleveland recognized the importance of having a place for their spiritual, educational, and social needs. Salaam Cleveland worked with the Greater Cleveland Muslim Community. And that partnership led to funding used to purchase a house at 9400 Detroit Ave. Now called, the Muhammad Rasul-Allah Islamic Society (MRI Society), which gave the refugees a sense of belonging to their new home, Cleveland.
Over the last decade, the gift of 9400 Detroit Ave., has proved invaluable. It is now a recognized focal point for grants and refugees of many different ethnicities that share a common religion, Islam. Not only has it been a place of worship, but just as importantly a place for schooling, social gatherings, a community center, and a welcoming station for new arrivals. So much more than just a building, this space has helped to bond the refugee community with other residents.

2007 - Non-Profit Status

This milestone year saw Salaam Cleveland achieve 501 (c) (3) non-profit status on public charity.

2009 - Yearly Grants

Salaam Cleveland started hosting yearly health fairs with grants from the Ohio Department of Minority Health. Their aim is to increase awareness in under-served populations about chronic diseases.

2010 - A Year Like No Other

2010 was a great year Salaam Cleveland. Their achievements were showcased as part of the Women & Spirit exhibition at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, for three months. While Zahid received an award as a Community Hero from, the local newspaper, The Plain Dealer.

2011- NALI

Salaam Cleveland received funds from the Northeast Ohio Asian Women Leadership Initiative (NALI) for the year, to promote Domestic Violence awareness.

2012 - 2016 - ASIA Grants

Partnering with the Social Service Agency, ASIA (Asian Services in Action, Inc.) Salaam Cleveland received funds for five years from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Center for the Study of Asian American Health. The funding was used to promote physical activity and healthy living as part of project REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approach to Community Health).

2017 - Salaam House

Salaam Cleveland assisted in the purchase of a house next to the MRI building. Here they started a school, an office, and hired two part-time employees. The advent of Syrian refugees renewed community interest and many young volunteers came forward.
This growth led to a 7 person Advisory Board, and male members joined Salaam Cleveland. The Board incorporated their own ideas. For instance, instead of working with local refugees, they wanted to raise funds to send to other countries. And work in political or religious activities.

2018 - A New Team

In September, the Salaam Cleveland administration began to work under the leadership of Azam Kazmi and Junaid Hasan.

2019 - Salaam Re-Established

Sana Kazmi began working on Salaam Kids, and Dr. Syed Shoaib Shah established the Salaam Clinic.

2020 -The Work Continues

To this day the dedicated team continues to advance its mission. Salaam Clinic continues to provide its services to the underserved, funded in large by local foundations, community support, in addition to donor contributions. Salaam Clinic’s partnerships also extend nationally, as seen by a recent grant from the Islamic Relief organization to feed the hungry.
~ The Strong Mission of Salaam Cleveland ~

  • Salaam Clinic and Free Clinic
  • Salam Kids
  • Community Outreach
  • Serve The Underserved
  • Domestic Violence

Salaam Cleveland continues with community support and government grants.

“I always try to remember as Winston Churchill said, ‘Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.’, I kept on holding the rope throughout these years.” - Zarina Siddiqi

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