Faith Leaders Urge Gov. DeWine to Save Ayman’s Life

On August 25, faith leaders delivered a letter to Governor Mike DeWine, signed by 1,166 concerned members of the faith community, calling on him to intervene and save the life of Ayman Soliman. Following is the press release.

Columbus, OH – Today, faith leaders along with Undivided, CAIR-Ohio (Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton), Young United Souls for Revolutionary Action (YUSRA), Ohio Immigrant Alliance, and other community advocates held a press conference in the Ladies Gallery of the Ohio Statehouse urging Governor DeWine to use the authority of his office to secure Imam Ayman Soliman’s release from detention, and ensure the restoration of his asylum status. After the press conference, the faith leaders delivered a letter signed by over 1,000 community leaders, families cared for by Ayman, clergy of all faiths, neighbors, friends, organizers, and fellow congregants to the Governor, urging him to take action.

The press conference urgently comes one day before Ayman has a hearing in the Cleveland immigration court. At issue is whether he could be deported to Egypt – an action that would surely be a death sentence for him. Governor DeWine must act now.

“Since Ayman was taken into custody countless families that he has touched have expressed their sorrow, their grief, and their support of Ayman,” said Reverend Adam Allen with Mennonite USA and Ayman’s former colleague. “Ayman is truly the example of someone we want in this country. His advocacy for others, his selflessness, and his deep conviction in godly compassion are things that have impacted thousands of families throughout this state and country. He is the kind of person who makes our country great.”

“Arresting Ayman Soliman is not a representation of what this country is founded on. America is about people coming together,” said Khalid Turaani, Executive Director, CAIR-Ohio (Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton). “The federal government is overreaching and we have to care about our brother. We must help and care for one individual, Ayman Soliman, as he is being held in very unfair and unnecessary conditions, so we can do it for the rest of our community who is at risk.” 

“Imam Ayman was granted asylum because our government recognized the grave danger he faced in Egypt. Sending him back now would be a death sentence,” said Victoria Hickox, Young United Souls for Revolutionary Action (YUSRA). “His life is in the Governor’s hands, and we are calling on him to act immediately to stop this deportation.” 

“Governor DeWine, you have the ability and the opportunity to make Ohio shine as a righteous state and a moral state. Not one that gives way to immoral and unfair treatment of a person,” said Sister Gemma Doll, Dominican Sisters of Peace. “Ayman would be going to his death if he is deported to Egypt. Our Catholic faith that unites us, Governor DeWine, stands firmly in the stance that every person has the right to life and dignity. In the name of God, stand up for this human life. You can make a difference.” 

“Our request and our plea to Governor DeWine and all our elected officials is simple: Remember who you are as a nation of immigrants, a nation of people who fled religious persecution. And remember who we can be as a nation of refuge. Remember in your own story when your people needed refuge,” said Reverend Joel Miller, Columbus Mennonite Church. “Our faith absolutely compels us to treat the migrant as we would want to be treated. Anything less would be a violation of a core command.” 

“The government’s case against Ayman Soliman is nonexistent and a complete embarrassment on their part. What is happening to Chaplain Ayman is an injustice," said Tala Ali, a member of Ayman’s advocacy team and Chair of the Cincinnati Islamic Association. “We stand here today to plead for Ayman’s life. Ayman’s detention represents not just a personal injustice, but a significant loss to the spiritual, communal, and moral wellbeing of many Ohioans. This is why we call on Governor DeWine to use the authority of his office to secure Ayman’s release and asylum.”

Ayman’s next immigration court hearing is August 26 at 8am at the Cleveland Immigration Court, Judge Jennifer Riedthaler-Williams.

Read the letter to Governor DeWine here.

Watch the press conference and letter delivery here.