CAIR-Chicago hosted its first of two Elderhostel’s Days of Discovery “Building Bridges to Islam” programs at the Prayer Center of Orland Park (OPPC). Nearly 30 participants attended this perennial educational immersion event previously held in Des Plaines and Northbrook. The “Bridge to Islam” program provided participants with informative and interactive presentations, and included a tour of the mosque. Elderhostel, a non-profit organization, facilitated the event as a part of its program to provide extraordinary learning adventures for people 55 and over.

“Thank you for an excellent program. I learned so much about your faith that was new to me - especially the history and also the revering of Mary. Congratulations on your work to establish bridges of understanding. It is the only way to bring PEACE to our world”.– B. Moody

The Chicago Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations announced today that it is wrapping up its successful 2006 Building Bridges to Islam Day of Discovery tomorrow. Since 2005, over 1200 Americans have graduated from CAIR-Chicago’s “Building Bridges to Islam” lecture series, sponsored by Elderhostel.

In today's post 9/11 America, much attention is being given to Islam and Muslims. More often than not, coverage of Islam and Muslims is limited to the sensational and the extreme. Moreover, commentators on cable and radio stations often approach the subject with an emotional bias rather than a comprehensive objective analysis. This, coupled with the limited accessibility of outspoken moderate Muslims, leaves the average American gravely misinformed about Islam and Muslims.

In today's post 9/11 America, much attention is being given to Islam and Muslims. More often than not, coverage of Islam and Muslims is limited to the sensational and the extreme. Moreover, commentators on cable and radio stations often approach the subject with an emotional bias rather than a comprehensive objective analysis. This, coupled with the limited accessibility of outspoken moderate Muslims, leaves the average American gravely misinformed about Islam and Muslims.