CAIR-Chicago Congratulates ISNA on another Successful Convention

CAIR-Chicago would like to congratulate the Islamic Society of North-America (ISNA) on another dynamic convention this past weekend. The annual event is the largest gathering of Muslims in North-America. The ISNA Convention, which draws thousands of attendees and features presentations by dozens of renowned Muslim leaders, scholars and activists, is a meeting place of people and ideas, where American Muslims discuss their role in society, politics, media, activism, and education. CAIR-Chicago’s executive director, Ahmed Rehab, was part of four panels throughout the 4-day event. On Saturday, Rehab presented to a youth group on the importance of staying abreast of current events and contributing to society. During a main session on Sunday, Rehab discussed how social media is making a difference within the realm of activism, media outreach and pluralism. He also moderated and spoke on a panel addressing the Arab Spring and the role Muslim Americans can play in supporting the rebirth of democracy in the Middle East.

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) won ISNA's interfaith award, accepted by Executive Director Joshua Hoyt and board members Alie Kaba, Zaher Sahloul, Ahmed Rehab, and Jane Ramsey.

CAIR-Chicago Outreach Coordinator, Gerald Hankerson, and numerous interns and volunteers conducted surveys at the convention as part of Wesleyan University Professor Dr. Rodriguez Mosquera’s ongoing research on the psychological impact of Islamophobia on American-Muslims. The study aims to gather information on how American-Muslims feel about the social image of the Muslim community in the US, and the way they feel they are perceived by society at large. CAIR-Chicago was able to collect 300 surveys to contribute to the research study.