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.

Explore firsthand accounts and expert insights at CAIR Chicago's press conference, shedding light on the pressing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Join us as we discuss the challenges faced by the community, share initiatives, and call for collective action. Stay informed, stand in solidarity, and be part of the conversation to make a meaningful impact. Together, let's amplify the voices of those affected and work towards building a compassionate world. 🕊️🌍

(CHICAGO, IL, 1/4/2024) - The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) today welcomes a hate crime charge brought against a man who allegedly hit and made hateful comments against a Palestinian neighbor in Orland Park Wednesday morning.

CAIR-Chicago calls for your attention in an urgent press conference addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza! Join us as we shed light on the pressing issues affecting the lives of innocent civilians in the region.

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.

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."

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.

(CHICAGO, IL, 12/22/2023) - 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, teetering on the edge of starvation, will share heart-wrenching stories of their loved ones reaching out for assistance daily.

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 ongoing conflict in Gaza, shedding light on the broader implications of such acts of violence.

(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.

This eye-opening video delves into a concerning incident that has left a family outraged and a community seeking answers. According to reports, a Chicago substitute teacher is accused of targeting a 3rd-grader based on their Palestinian heritage.

(CHICAGO, IL, 12/22/2023) - The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) today called on Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to expedite and conclude its investigation in response to an incident in which a substitute teacher allegedly made inappropriate and offensive remarks toward an 8-year-old student based on the student identifying as Palestinian.  

In a recent turn of events, Foley and Lardner, a prominent law firm based in Chicago, found itself in the midst of controversy after rescinding a job offer to Jinan Chehade at their River North office. The decision was allegedly prompted by Chehade's comments on the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations - Chicago (CAIR-Chicago) convened a crucial press conference at 11:00 AM on December 6th to address the disheartening case of Jinan Chehade, a Georgetown Law graduate unjustly terminated from the well-known Chicago law firm Foley & Lander. Beyond a singular incident, the press conference illuminated a distrubing trend observed locally and nationally.

(CHICAGO, IL, 12/6/2023) - The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) is holding a press conference today at 11:00 am to discuss the case of Jinan Chehade, a Georgetown Law graduate who was fired from well-known Chicago law firm Foley & Lardner - and the rise in similar incidents.

We want to provide you with a recap of a recent meeting between CAIR-Chicago staff and representatives from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), where we discussed the heightened concerns within our community following the Gaza incident. The primary focus of this meeting was to address the surge in calls to our helpline and explore additional ways to support our community during these challenging times.

In light of the ongoing challenges faced by communities, we invite you to a special virtual panel discussion titled “Know Your Rights: Combating Hate Crimes.” This crucial event will focus on providing resources and support for communities under attack, offering insights into pathways to justice in Illinois.

We are excited to share highlights from a remarkable event that took place on Sunday, December 3rd, at the Shalimar Banquets in Addison, IL.