What They Say About Us
"For over a decade, CAIR-Chicago has been at the forefront of preserving civil rights for American Muslims, fighting Islamophobia and bigotry, and promoting tolerance in Chicago and across Illinois. By encouraging inter-faith dialogues and building relationships, CAIR-Chicago has helped foster mutual understanding and respect at a time when it is greatly needed." - Dick Durbin, United States Senator
"The work of CAIR-Chicago gives the Muslim community a protected space to embrace their traditions right here in our state – and offers other Illinoisans the opportunity to learn more about Islam. I’m grateful for your organization and all of the groups across our state that seek to build bridges between communities and give Illinoisans a deeper appreciation of our world." - JB Pritzker, Illinois Governor
"With organizations like CAIR-Chicago, we can think critically and take action that ensures each of us will live in a nation that is truly indivisible with liberty and justice for all." -Juliana Stratton, Illinois Lieutenant Governor
"The work that your organization does to advocate on behalf of Muslims and others to protect and defend the constitutional rights of all people has become respected across the country." - Toni Preckwinkle, President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners
"Chicago is proud to be home to a vibrant Muslim community that has greatly contributed to the city, and I commend the Council on American-Islamic Relations-Chicago for their ongoing commitment to the Muslim American community and Chicago." - Chicago Mayor, Lori Lightfoot
"I applaud CAIR-Chicago for its non-partisan voter registration, get-out-the-vote, and voter education activities, which support the very principles of our democracy. Indeed, your work is essential in making democracy work for everyone." - Robin Kelly, Member of Congress
"Your promotion of tolerance and your unwavering dedication to various projects is exemplary and inspiring. You have positively impacted our community and have made great strides in attaining your goal to provide equal opportunity to Muslims across our state." - Marie Newman, Member of Congress
"Due to CAIR-Chicago’s focused efforts in expanding the civic power of the Muslim community vis-à-vis education, development, and mobilization they have successfully created a national movement that has transformed lives.." - Jesús G. “Chuy” García, Member of Congress
"CAIR-Chicago’s focus on advocating for civil rights, peace, justice, and respect for all, provides opportunities for our city, state, and across the nation to attain equal opportunity for and normalizing the image of Muslims in America not only enriching the Muslim community but also expanding productive dialogue between cultures." - Mike Quigley, Member of Congress
"I salute CAIR-Chicago for the work you have done over the past year and your vision and untiring commitment to justice and equality for Muslim Americans . . . and all Americans." - Danny K. Davis, Member of Congress
"I appreciate the work that CAIR Chicago does to advocate and provide legal services for the Muslim community, to fight discrimination and hate crimes, help people know their rights, and promote equality.." - Jan Schakowsky, Member of Congress
“The work of CAIR-Chicago has promoted principles of tolerance, religious freedom, trust and safety throughout the community. I applaud your efforts in the preservation of core American values, to uphold civil and human rights." - Cheri Bustos, Member of Congress
"CAIR-Chicago continues to serve as a much-needed source of hope and empathy during these times of uncertainty and social upheaval. Refusing to give into the threat of despair, the organization has instead been cultivating resilience and power within our community." - Andre Carson, Member of Congress
"I applaud the council for continuing this great tradition of bringing together community leaders, scholars, and activists to celebrate CAIR-Chicago's work defending civil liberties. The work you all have done this year must be especially commended as you forged ahead during a global pandemic and as protests against police brutality spread across the country." - Ilhan Omar, Member of Congress
“I commend CAIR Chicago for its continued efforts to promote open dialogue across cultures to promote diversity and more welcoming communities.” - Rashida Tlaib, Member of Congress
"CAIR-Chicago’s tireless dedication to the defense of basic civil rights is vitally important in our work to ensure every Illinois neighborhood and community is a welcoming place to all." -Kwame Raoul, Illinois Attorney General
"CAIR-Chicago continues to fight for Muslim Americans to ensure their rights, voices and values are upheld and empowered." - Michael W. Frerichs, Illinois State Treasurer
"Your diligence typifies your resolve to build genuine solidarity throughout greater Chicagoland, Illinois and our world. - Mattie Hunter Illinois State Senator, Majority Caucus Leader
"In a state with over half a million Muslim Americans, CAIR-Chicago provides crucial services such as civil rights protection, political empowerment, education, media communication, and so much more." - Sara Feigenholtz, Illinois State Senator
"But to the members of CAIR-Chicago, I say 'stay the course.' Your commitment to values like unity, equality, and diligence will never go out of style. Your uninterrupted efforts toward these goals throughout the past few tumultuous years are to be commended, and I look forward to bearing witness to the fruits of your vital work for many years to come." -Laura Fine, Illinois State Senator
"In these trying times, organizations like CAIR-Chicago are critical members in the fight to rid the world of islamophobia, bigotry and hatred." - Robert Peters, Illinois State Senator
“CAIR-Chicago's ensure justice through fostering dialogue and understanding in the greater Chicago land area. Your ongoing focus on healing relationships broken by fear and misunderstanding is to be applauded, especially during this year of racial strife.” -Julie A. Morrison, Illinois State Senator
"I encourage the dedicated men and women of CAIR-Chicago to carry on with their commitment to making this state and nation a better place to live. CAIR's ongoing effort to engage Muslim Americans in the political process, while fighting against persecution and injustice, is deserving of the most sincere respect and accolades." - John Curran, Illinois State Senator
“Through your legal advocacy, your educational initiatives, and your civic engagement, CAIR-Chicago has continually worked to advance the fundamental promise of our nation: That all are entitled to justice, fairness, and human dignity." - Michael J. Madigan Illinois State Representative, Speaker of the House
"Your work in representing, educating, and empowering the Muslim community across Illinois is inspiring. I look forward to seeing all the great things this organization will do in the future." -David Welter, Illinois State Representative
"I have no doubt that, moving forward, your ongoing efforts to educate and empower the Muslim community will prove beneficial to both the Muslim community, and to the greater Illinois community as a whole." -Anne Stava-Murray, Illinois State Representative
"Your progress in fighting for justice for all residents of Chicago has made a great impact on our city. Your commitment to combatting discrimination makes all of us better and hopeful for a brighter future." - Fritz Kaegi Cook County Assessor
"I look forward to working with you to advance understanding and cooperation within our shared communities, especially around critically important topics such as civil rights, immigration status, and public safety." - Pat Dowell, Alderman
"Now, more than ever, our city and our country need the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Their exceptional work supports the Muslim Community and facilitates necessary dialogue in our neighborhoods and beyond.” - James Cappleman Alderman
"Your commitment to your mission is to be commended. The best weapons against hate and bigotry are communication and education." - David J. Kaptain Mayor, City of Elgin
"The continued effort to educate the Muslim community and enable the next generation highlights the importance of civic engagement and community empowerment." - Sandra Frum Village President, Northbrook
"Both CAIR and Rosemont continue to work hard. Instead of progress, both organizations are very supportive of each other's missions and purpose. Now, we are fighting the challenges presented to us from the Covid-I 9 impact. But we will overcome those challenges, too." - Bradley A. Stephens Mayor, Village of Rosemont
"It is work like that of CAIR-Chicago which empowers under-represented communities that will bring a brighter future for generations to come." - David Koehler Illinois State Senator, Assistant Majority Leader
"Their efforts encouraging equality, enhancing cultural knowledge, and promoting justice are both admirable and necessary." - Jason A. Barickman Illinois State Senator
"For 18 years, CAIR-Chicago has worked to promote equality, tolerance and justice for all residents of Illinois. We are at our best when we embrace the cultural and religious diversity of our state. - Ram Villivalam, Illinois State Senator
"Your commitment to your cause withstands the harshest challenges brought on by natural and social phenomena, and your ability to adapt to these ever-changing conditions is a testament to the importance of harmony and service." - Celina Villaneuva, Illinois State Senator
“I am honored to congratulate CAIR-Chicago and offer my support to your good work in all of our communities, and for being leading advocates for justice and mutual understanding." - Christina Castro, Illinois State Senator
"As members of CAIR-Chicago continue to fight for social justice and build genuine solidarity throughout our state, I thank you for your dedication to advocating for the civil rights of Muslims living, working and raising families in Illinois." - Adriane Johnson, Illinois State Senator
"CAIR-Chicago provides a critical service that educates and mobilizes our growing Muslim community. During these trying times, the work CAIR-Chicago does to promote understanding and diversity is extremely important." - Scott Bennett, Illinois State Senator
"CAIR has worked to create a more accepting and tolerant society through a deeper understanding or Islam. As a diverse state, we are at our best when we embrace our differences and work together." - Greg Harris Illinois State Representative, House Majority Leader
"I am honored to be able to offer my support to all CAIR-Chicago does to continually meet the challenges in seeking resolution and justice for all, especially during a world-wide pandemic. It is groups, like CAIR-Chicago, that prove the future is promised for all through their advocacy, solidarity, and dialogue." -John C. D’Amico, Illinois State Representative
"On behalf of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, I offer my sincere appreciation for all the work CAIR-Chicago has done in this incredibly challenging year. I am certain that CAIR-Chicago will continue its good works in the years ahead." -Thomas J. Dart Sheriff of Cook County
"The overwhelming majority of Americans who support – and demand – to see our systems of justice overhauled, further emphasizes the importance of organizations like CAIR-Chicago will play in 2021 and beyond." - Brian Hopkins Alderman
"CAIR-Chicago has benefitted many community members, leaders and elected officials through dialogue, facts, and empowerment. Helping us to realize by working together in solidarity for everyone's civil rights can guarantee equality for all." - Emma Mitts, Alderman
“I am proud to support the work of CAIR; protecting and advocating civil rights, promoting cultural exchange and civic engagement, celebrating the differences of all people and shaping America into the diverse country we are all proud call home.” - Thomas Tunney Alderman
"Diverse communities rely on CAIR-Chicago to advocate for the marginalized, protect civil liberties, and ensure that all individuals in our country are treated fairly.” - Stephen H. Hagerty Mayor, City of Evanston
"You have addressed the myriad of social issues plaguing our communities with compassion and fortitude.” - Gopal G. Lalmalani, MD., M.B.A. Village President, Oakbrook