Amina Sharif writes, “The conflict in Israel and Palestine is political, not religious. It is not between Jews and Muslims; it is between the government of Israel and the people of Palestine (who are Muslim and Christian).

“In reality, many Jews — even in Israel — sympathize with the Palestinians and criticize their own government’s policies toward Gaza and the West Bank.”

Communications Coordinator Amina Sharif presented to a DePaul University class on multiculturalism and democracy. Sharif’s presentation aimed to give students a broad understanding of the Muslim-American community in terms of its ethnic diversity, socioeconomic levels and political beliefs.

Outreach Coordinator Gerald Hankerson presented a workshop to a Jewish Youth Group at Beth Emet the Free Synagogue in Evanston. Hankerson provided and introduction to the concepts of Islam and a profile of the Muslim-American community. The workshop served as the kick off to an educational and interfaith program between the synagogue and the Muslim Educational Center (MEC) in Morton Grove.

CAIR-Chicago is pleased to announce that Professor Tariq Ramadan will be the keynote speaker at our 6th Annual Banquet. This will be his first event in the U.S. in nearly six years, since the Bush Administration’s ban. Ramadan was chosen as one of the world’s 100 most influential human beings by TIME magazine and currently teaches at Oxford University.

“Critics argue when you think about it, for the most part, all of the people who try to blow airliners out of the sky look alike,” Doocy said.

“False,” replied Ahmed Rehab. “False information. Not true. I mean, we don’t have to go far. The last guy that tried to take down a plane was a young African. And in the past, prior to that incident, we were looking for Middle eastern-looking men. Next time it could be an Asian guy. So no, they don’t always look alike.”

On February 4 CAIR-Chicago co-hosted Cafe Finjan, an interfaith arts and culture event coordinated by the Jewish-Muslim Community Building Initiative (JMCBI). The event aims to bring together Jews and Muslims from across Chicago. Outreach Coordinator, Gerald Hankerson, performed spoken word poetry and facilitated group discussions on religion and identity.

Watch Gerald’s Performance HERE

Singling people out because of their ethnicity or religion is wrong. Racial profiling contradicts our Constitutional values and has been proven ineffective as research shows it hasn’t kept Americans any safer.

In his op-ed Nasatir highlights the amazing efforts by Jews in America and Israel in the humanitarian crisis in Haiti and for this, I truly commend them. But what about the humanitarian crisis in Palestine? Israeli checkpoints violate Palestinians’ basic human rights by denying medical vehicles and services. This contrasts sharply with Israel generously building a hospital in Haiti.

CAIR-Chicago is a grassroots organization; therefore, it makes full sense for its work to be funded through a grassroots support network. This new initiative is a simple partnership between us that will cost you just $1/day and will make all the difference in the world for the future of the Muslim community in Chicago.

Due to the high number of Muslim constituents in Bridgeview, the Police Department is working to develop more cultural sensitivity by gaining a better understanding of Islam and Muslims. CAIR-Chicago believes more training like this will serve to eliminate racial profiling and future injustices directed towards Muslims in Chicago and across the country.