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.

In response to the alarming surge in incidents involving intimidation, harassment, doxxing, and censorship against individuals who bravely speak out on the Gaza conflict, we are delighted to unveil an unprecedented collaboration between three stalwart defenders of civil liberties: CAIR-Chicago, ACLU-Illinois, and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO).

Join us for a special event on Saturday, December 16th, as Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago, takes the lead in hosting the American Islamic Society (AIS). In addition to hosting, Ahmed Rehab will actively participate in a crucial fundraising initiative to support the impactful work of AIS.

Empower yourself with knowledge! Join us for a special “Know Your Rights” workshop hosted by CAIR-Chicago’s Executive Director Ahmed Rehab in Bolingbrook on Friday, December 15th. This informative session is designed to equip community members with essential information to navigate their rights effectively.

We are excited to invite you to a crucial event, “Youth Challenges: Addressing Islamophobia in Social Media and Political Attacks,” on Saturday, December 16th at 4:30 PM.

Excited to join us in person? Guarantee a seamless experience by registering below! Secure your spot now for exclusive access to free food and refreshments. See you there!

As we step into the brisk winds of November where we continue to face international and domestic crisis management, I am filled with gratitude for the resilience, unity, and strength that our community is demonstrating.

In light of the ongoing crisis in Gaza, The Council of Islamic Organization of Greater Chicago and Islamic Center of Wheaton is honored to bring together influential voices for a critical community response event.

CAIR-Chicago is excited to partner with the Islamic Society of Northwest Suburbs for a special “Know Your Rights” information session.

Join CAIR-Chicago speaker Joseph Milburn, CAIR-Chicago’s staff attorney, who will inform us about our rights in effectively advocating for the causes we believe in.

At CAIR-Chicago, we are committed to empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to protect their rights and navigate legal challenges effectively. Our “Know Your Rights” program is designed to educate and inform members of our community about their legal rights in various situations.