Issue #520: Unleashing the Power of Change
In This Issue
Gaza Family Press Conference
Wadee Candlelight Vigil
Sabet Press Release
Doxxing Toolkit
Upcoming Events
Civil Rights Digest
Protecting Your Rights
Chicago Monitor
Message from the
Executive Director
Dear CAIR-Chicago Community,
As we embrace the beginning of 2024, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering commitment to justice and civil rights. Together, we have overcome challenges and achieved significant progress as a community. Your dedication has been the driving force behind our successes, and I am honored to stand with you during these critical times.
In reflecting on the past year, the CAIR-Chicago community has exhibited resilience and a steadfast commitment to our shared values. Despite the challenges, your support has not gone unnoticed, and it has played a crucial role in bringing about positive change.
Looking ahead to the future, I am confident that our community will continue to rise to the occasion. The journey to justice may be long and arduous, but with your continued support, we will preserve it. I extend my deepest gratitude to each one of you who has contributed time, energy, and resources to the mission of CAIR-Chicago.
Your dedication is a testament to the strength of our community, and I take pride in leading an organization with such passion and committed individuals. As we step into the new year, let us renew our commitment to justice, equality, and the betterment of our society. Together, we can continue to build a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
In Solidarity,
Ahmed Rehab
Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago
CAIR-Chicago Calls Urgent Press Conference Addressing
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Taken by Erin P.R. Davis, MCM, Communications Coordinator at CAIR-Chicago
(CHICAGO, IL, 1/4/2024) - The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) is set to host a press conference on Thursday, January 4, at 11 AM at the CAIR-Chicago Azima Center, located at 17 North State Street, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60602. The press conference aims to amplify the voices of Chicago-area Palestinian-American families, alongside doctors and faith leaders, urgently appealing to Governor Pritzker, Mayor Johnson, and Congressman Sean Casten to intervene and address the critical humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. These families will share heart-wrenching stories of their loved ones reaching out for assistance daily.
More Media
FOX32: CAIR-CHICAGO CALLS FOR SOLUTIONS IN HUMANITARIAN CRISIS
The local Palestinian community is calling on leaders to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, is asking for officials to intervene in the conflict to get much-needed aid to the area. Activists say time is of the essence.
WBBM NEWSRADIO: URGENT PLEA FOR HUMANITARIAN AID: RESIDENTS ADVOCATE FOR GAZA
Witness the heartfelt plea from Chicago-area Palestinian Americans, desperate for humanitarian aid in Gaza. In a moving report by WBBM ‘s Brandon Ison, Mohaned shares the shattered dream of bringing down his food blog to Gaza, where his family resides - a dream now devastated.
Chicago (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Chicago area residents Thursday shared life and death stories of family members still trapped in Gaza while also calling for increased humanitarian efforts.
CAIR-Chicago To Host Candlelight Vigil In Remembrance Of Wadee Al Fayoumi During Joseph Czuba's Pretrial Proceedings
(CHICAGO, IL, 1/2/2024) - The Chicago Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) is set to hold a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024, at 8:00 AM, coinciding with the pretrial proceedings of Joseph Czuba. A subsequent media briefing is scheduled for 8:45 AM. This significant event, organized in collaboration with esteemed community partners such as the Muslim Civic Coalition, CIOGC, and ICNA Relief, aims to commemorate the cherished life of Wadee Al Fayoumi.
More Media
In a reflection of the devastating impact of hate crimes, the community is gearing up for a crucial hearing in the case of Wadee Al Fayoumi, a suburban boy whose life was tragically cut short. As the legal proceedings unfold, his father and activists have drawn parallels between Wadee’s untimely death and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, shedding light on the broader implications of such acts of violence.
FOX16: VIGIL HELD TO HONOR SLAIN MUSLIM BOY AS ACCUSED ATTACKER APPEARS IN COURT IN ILLINOIS
As the legal process unfolded, community members gathered outside the courthouse to show unwavering support for the Al Fayoumi family. The horrific attack, which claimed the life of young Wadee and left his mother injured, has left a profound impact on the community, prompting a collective call for justice and unity.
The father of a 6-year-old Muslim boy killed in a stabbing attack officials said was fueled by Islamophobic hate, made an emotional plea Wednesday for justice and exhorted Americans to reject bigotry and "embrace the diversity that makes our nation so beautiful."
HNGN: ODAI AL-FAYOUME MAKES EMOTIONAL PLEA AFTER 6-YEAR-OLD SON, WADEE, MURDERED IN HATE CRIME
In a heartfelt plea for justice, Wadee Alfayoumi's father, speaking through an interpreter, expressed his unwavering determination to see justice served for his son and Hanna Shahin, the survivor of the tragic attack. With a deep resolve, he emphasized that Wadee deserves nothing less than justice, and the community owes it to him to pursue it relentlessly.
CAIR-Chicago Secures Landmark $475K Settlement in Religious and National Origin Discrimination Case
(CHICAGO, IL, 1/11/2024) - The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) has successfully resolved one of the most significant employment cases involving religious and national origin discrimination in Federal Court in Illinois, securing a $475,000 settlement on behalf of its client, Ramtin Sabet.
Doxing Toolkit 2024
In light of the disturbing rise of doxing cases targeting Muslims, particularly students and employees, this comprehensive guidebook serves as a vital resource in educating and empowering community members on how to deal if targeted in person or online.
Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium
Date: Saturday, February 17, 2024
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: 7350 W 93rd Street, Bridgeview, IL 60455
Islamophobia and Muslim Rights Discourse at Dominican University
Date: Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: 7900 Division Street, River Forest, IL 60305
Know Your Rights Session at IFN (Adults)
Date: January 28, 2024
Time: 12 PM
Location: 1600 Dodge Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
"Don't Bite The Bait" Discussion with Ahmed Rehab at OPPC
Date: January 29th, 2024
Time: 7 PM to 8 PM
Location: 16530 104th Ave, Orland Park, IL 60467
Islamophobia and Muslim Rights Discourse with Ahmed Rehab at Illinois Holocaust Museum
Date: February 9, 2024
Time: TBA
Location: 9603 Woods Dr. Skokie, IL 60077
Understanding CAIR Discussion by Maggie Slavin at Jones College Prep
Date: February 1, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: 700 S State Street, Chicago, IL 60605
South Asian Solidarity Movement: Islamophobia and BIPOC Community Panel and Fundraiser
Date: February 2, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Haymarket House, 800 West Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613
Two Palestinian girls contacted us regarding concerns about being bullied in school.
A woman from Syria contacted us requesting assistance to file for parents in Syria to get a green card.
Three women contacted us for assistance regarding alleged employment discrimination.
A man contacted us regarding FBI harassment.
A woman contacted us regarding a desire to petition for her husband to obtain permanent residency in the United States.
A woman from China contacted us with a desire to apply for asylum.
A woman contacted us regarding her brother being harassed by a substitute teacher.
A Bosnian woman contacted us with assistance regarding the FBI contacting her over a social media post.
A mosque contacted us regarding vandalism at their center.
A man of mixed Palestinian and Mexican background contacted us regarding uncomfortable comments made towards him at work because of the current conflict in Palestine.
A Palestinian man contacted us regarding his camera being destroyed by a police officer at a protest.
A community member contacted us regarding the FBI encountering him due to a group chat he is in.
Protecting Your Rights Resource Center
In response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza and Palestine, CAIR-Chicago is proud to announce the launch of our comprehensive resource hub. We understand that individuals may face unique challenges at school, the workplace, and protests during these trying times. Our goal is to provide valuable resources and support to empower you in navigating these situations with resilience and knowledge.
Explore Our Resources:
School Resources: Gain access to educational materials, guides, and toolkits to help students navigate conversations, promote understanding, and address potential challenges related to the Gaza and Palestine crisis within academic settings.
Workplace Support: Discover resources tailored for the workplace, including guidance on addressing discussions, accessing accommodations, and fostering an inclusive environment during these challenging times.
Protest Safety Guides: For those participating in protests, find essential information on staying safe, understanding your rights, and peacefully expressing your support for Gaza and Palestine.
How to Use the Resource Hub:
Visit our website and navigate to the "Protecting Rights Resources" under the "Projects" tab.
Explore the specific categories relevant to your needs (School, Workplace and Protests).
Access downloadable guides and articles to enhance your understanding and preparedness.
Stay Connected:
Follow us on social media to stay updated on new resources, events, and community initiatives. Join the conversation, share your experiences, and connect with a supportive community that stands in solidarity with Gaza and Palestine.
Fresh Perspectives: Latest Updates from the Chicago Monitor
Middle Eastern Racial Identity: Unveiling Scriptural Origins
How does one go about constructing a racial identity? We typically frame Racial Identity as an American-centric, or more broadly, a Eurocentric discussion. The US constructs racial identity through ethnic backgrounds, but populations such as the nations that make up the Middle East are not often used as case studies in the “how-real-is-race” conversation because the exact point at which it diverges from religious identity theory, remains largely unexplored. If race is indeed a construct, there must be an architect responsible for creating the standards by which a group is assigned a cohesive racial identity.
Reflecting on the Legacy: A Martin Luther King Jr. Day Tribute
As we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it is crucial to delve beyond mere token gestures and truly reflect on the profound impact of Dr. King’s legacy. This day should not be reduced to a symbolic nod; instead, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice, equality, and civil rights. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to advocating for racial equality, justice, and the end of systematic racism. However, in contemporary society, there is a risk of reducing his powerful message to a mere token – something used superficially to convey a commitment to diversity without addressing the root issues he fought against
Navigating the Landscape: Unveiling Muslim Human Rights Issues in Chicago and Beyond
In the wake of September 11th, 2001, Americans found themselves navigating a profoundly altered reality. Against the backdrop of apprehension that followed the attacks, the nation collectively embraced a spirit of unity to mourn the innocent lives lost and summon the resilience needed to address the perpetrators of these heinous acts. However, this collective sentiment was not universally experienced.