“There are seven million Muslims in America who are all peaceful, patriotic and support our troops so along with being deeply saddened and horrified by this event we are also concerned that people might call into question our patriotism and loyalty to this country,” said Amina Sharif, Council On American Islamic Relations.

CAIR-Chicago's Executive Director Ahmed Rehab talks to the French Newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche about the Fort Hood shootings and Muslim Americans' reactions.

"This single act of an individual probably will overshadow the reality of millions of Americans who lead good lives every day as honorable citizens loving their faith, loving their country and appreciating the sacrifices of those who protect us," said Ahmed Rehab.

"It is not the fact that the Univ. of Chicago invited a pro-Israel speaker that offended so many. Rather, it is Olmert’s criminality that offends. It is the disparity with which the university treated its affected students that offends. It is the way in which they assured us that all views would be given a platform, and yet blatantly repressed the point of view of one group of people, that offends. And for this they must, at the very least, apologize," says Christina Abraham.

"It is not the fact that the Univ. of Chicago invited a pro-Israel speaker that offended so many. Rather, it is Olmert’s criminality that offends. It is the disparity with which the university treated its affected students that offends. It is the way in which they assured us that all views would be given a platform, and yet blatantly repressed the point of view of one group of people, that offends. And for this they must, at the very least, apologize," says Christina Abraham.

"Hate crimes are designed to hurt an entire group of people and therefore should receive extra attention," said CAIR-Chicago Communications Intern, Nicholas Short.

Listen to CAIR-Chicago's Civil Rights Director, Christina Abraham, on the Matt and Perri Show. Abraham discuss the discrimination complaint filed this week against Columbia College on behalf of a Muslim Instructor who was unjustly fired.

"Amina Sharif of the Chicago branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations also praised Obama's approach. 'A lot of Muslims felt hurt under Bush, and Obama's healing some of those wounds.' However, she said, Muslims in the U.S. and abroad are losing patience for him to fulfill some promises in the Middle East, including pressuring Israel to end settlement building in the West Bank."

"'Although we are always proud when one of our leaders is recognized for their commitment toward peace, it is important to remember that this award is being given to President Obama for the promise he displays, and not for his achievements thus far.' -- Christina Abraham, a director at the Chicago's Council on American-Islamic Relations."

"'Although we are always proud when one of our leaders is recognized for their commitment toward peace, it is important to remember that this award is being given to President Obama for the promise he displays, and not for his achievements thus far.' -- Christina Abraham, a director at the Chicago's Council on American-Islamic Relations."

The suit [filed by CAIR-Chicago] alleges Smiley was treated less favorably than similarly situated employees who were not Palestinian or Arab when accused of "false allegations of misconduct."

The suit [filed by CAIR-Chicago] alleges Smiley was treated less favorably than similarly situated employees who were not Palestinian or Arab when accused of "false allegations of misconduct."

"The unsubstantiated allegation against, and subsequent firing of, Sue Smiley reeks of racism," said Kevin Vodak, an attorney for the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which filed the suit on Smiley's behalf.

"According to the suit [filed by CAIR-Chicago], a teacher's assistant and eight other students were present in class at the time and confirmed that Smiley never made the remark or any anti-Semitic statements. Despite no evidence, the college refused to conduct an investigation into the allegations and swiftly fired Smiley, the suit said. No witnesses were contacted or questioned." Also see related stories in the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times

"The three-count federal suit (filed by CAIR-Chicago) -- which claims one count of national origin discrimination and two counts of race discrimination -- seeks all wages and benefits she would have received, in addition to compensatory and punitive damages. It also seeks an order mandating Smiley be returned to her former position or receive pay in lieu of reinstatement."

Los comentarios desenfrenados y su historial de votación anti-inmigrante en la Cámara lo perjudican ante el electorado inmigrante

Thank you for printing your Sept. 10 article "Survey: Muslims facea lot of bias," featuring a Pew Research Center study on growing tolerance by Americans toward Muslims.

Ahmed Rehab writes "I have been disappointed with the generally negative coverage of the Chicago 2016 Olympics bid by the Chicago Tribune. The Tribune oddly seems to see the glass one-quarter empty rather than three-quarters full. The Tribune ought to report on some of the amazing Chicago stories that take place daily as a result of the bid..."