MEDIA DIGEST: CAIR-Chicago and Leaders Host Press Conference Demanding for IL Senator Feigenholtz's Resignation

Nov 2

On November 1, 2024, CAIR-Chicago, joined by the community's Muslim and Jewish leaders, advocates, and elected officials, hosted a critical press conference in Chicago to confront the Islamophobic and anti-Arab hate speech previously shared by Illinois Senator Sara Feigenholtz. Together, we called for her resignation by Senate President Don Harmon and removal from Senate committee leadership.

Sign the petition at bit.ly/DemandResignation

Speakers included Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago; Dr. Dilara Sayeed, President of the Muslim Civic Coalition; Robert Dixon, a constituent from Senator Feigenholtz’s District 6;Marty Levine of Jewish Voices for Peace (JVP); Dr. Scott C. Alexander, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Catholic Theological Union; IL Rep. Lilian Jimenez (4th House District); and IL Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid (21st House District).

Watch NOW: PRESS RECAP

CAIR-CHICAGO IN THE NEWS:

WGN: CAIR-Chicago and Leaders Call Out Sen. Feigenholtz for 'Anti-Muslim, Anti-Arab' Social Posts

FOX 32: Illinois state senator asked to resign after 'Islamophobic' social media posts

**Chicago Sun-Times: Muslim leaders call for resignation of state Sen. Sara Feigenholtz after anti-Muslim social media posts**

CBS: Chicago Muslim civil rights group calls for state senator's resignation over social media posts

**Chicago Tribune: Muslim civil rights group leads call for state Sen. Sara Feigenholtz to resign over social media post**

ACTION ALERT

SIGN THE PETITION

Senator Sara Feigenholtz’s recent Islamophobic and anti-Arab posts threaten the safety and trust of her constituents. Despite community outreach, she continues to amplify harmful, dehumanizing messages. This week, Illinois launched the Help Stop Hate portal to combat rising hate, yet her actions undermine these efforts.

We call on the Illinois Senate, including Senate President Don Harmon, to hold Senator Feigenholtz to the same standard she has demanded of others and take immediate action for her resignation. Anything less signals a tolerance for hate and division.

The chilling nature of her hate speech is especially alarming, coming just one year after the tragic murder of six-year-old Wadee Al-Fayoumi. His hate crime is a stark reminder that incendiary, xenophobic rhetoric can incite violence and endanger lives.

Senator Feigenholtz represents IL Senate District 6, a diverse community that includes Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Uptown, and Ravenswood—home to many Arab and Muslim residents. Do you live in one of these neighborhoods?