CAIR-Chicago executive director Ahmed Rehab was the keynote speaker at the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) event on April 24th.

"I can honestly look you straight in the eye and tell you that I have never given a speech before with Beluga whales floating behind me," joked Rehab, as the event was held at the Shedd Aquarium.

Rehab's speech was about volunteering and community organizing, and he presented lifetime achievement awards to physicians who have practiced for over 30 years.

“The Chicagoland’s Syrian community of physicians has been a backbone in terms of developing the larger Muslim community, whether mosques, community centers, schools, or civil rights work. I am proud of their civic commitment and dedication; they have set a great precedence for others," said Rehab.