Issue #521 - Leveraging Strength as a Collective
In This Issue
Message from the Executive Director
Meet Our Winter Cohort
Doxing Toolkit 2024
Recent Events
Doxing Toolkit 2024
Civil Rights Digest
Resource Center
Message from the
Executive Director
Dear CAIR-Chicago Community,
As we embark on the month of February, a time that holds significance for numerous communities worldwide, we at CAIR-Chicago pause to reflect on the core values that bind us together: solidarity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice. In these times of uncertainty, we must stand united, leveraging our collective strength to overcome challenges and pave the way for a brighter future.
At CAIR-Chicago, our dedication to serving and empowering Muslims in the Greater Chicago area remains resolute. We continue to advocate tirelessly for civil rights, fostering understanding among diverse communities, and providing vital resources to those in need. Your unwavering support fuels our efforts and reinforces our resolve to uphold the principles of equality, dignity, and justice for all.
As we navigate the complexities of the current socio-political landscape, let us remember that our unity is our greatest asset. Together, we can surmount any obstacle, dismantle barriers to progress, and build a society that cherishes every individual's inherent worth and dignity. Thank you for entrusting with us as we strive to create a more just and inclusive world for future generations.
In Solidarity,
Ahmed Rehab
Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago
Introducing Our Latest Winter/Spring Intern Cohort
Mary Kenah
Outreach Intern - Winter/Spring 2024
Mary is a 4th-year undergraduate student at Loyola University Chicago where she is majoring in Global Studies and minoring in Anthropology and Spanish.
Kanyshai Saiakbaeva
Outreach Intern Winter/Spring 2024
Kanyshai Saiakbaeva is a Ph.D. student in Community Psychology at National Louis University. Her research focuses on understanding Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiments in the United States for her dissertation.
Kehkashan Hussaini
Civil Rights Law Clerk - Winter/Spring 2024
Kehkashan Hussaini is a 3rd-year Pre-Law student at the Illinois Institute of Technology where she is majoring in Global Studies and minoring in Architecture.
Addison Haywood
Junior Intern - Winter/Spring 2024
Addison is currently a junior at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. She aspires to attend a 4-year university, with a major in political science and successively pursue law school where she will strive to become a Civil Rights attorney.
Rasheedah Na’Allah
Outreach Intern - Winter/Spring 2024
Rasheedah Na’Allah is a sophomore at the University of Illinois Chicago. There, she studies sociology with a minor in entrepreneurship while being in the honors program.
Evelyn Ronan
Junior Intern - Winter/Spring 2024
Evelyn is a high school senior at Jones College Prep in the South Loop area. She hopes to attend a 4-year university and graduate with a BA in comparative religion and theology.
Aleena Ahmed
Civil Rights Law Clerk - Winter/Spring 2024
Aleena is currently a 2L at DePaul University College of Law School, where she is receiving her certificate in Intellectual Property law.
Manal Amjad
Operations Intern - Winter/Spring 2024
Manal Amjad is a fourth-year student at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) studying Applied Psychology. he is passionate about promoting justice and empowering American Muslims.
Laila Qureishi
Communications Intern - Winter/Spring 2024
Laila Qureishi is a 3rd year undergraduate student at DePaul University, studying Film and Television Production with a concentration in Directing, and a minor in Business.
Omar Shalabi
Operations Intern - Winter/Spring 2024
Passionate Pre-Law senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), majoring in Finance, with a profound commitment to justice and service.
Jenna Phillips
Government Affairs - Winter/Spring 2024
Jenna is a third-year undergraduate student at Loyola University Chicago studying economics and political science.
Lina Jaber
Junior Intern Winter/Spring 2024
Lina is an outreach intern for Spring 2024. She attends High School at Maine South. Originally from Iraq and raised in Chicago, her career aspirations are to practice immigration law.
WATCH: CAIR-Chicago Hosts Press Conference Addressing Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The Chicago Office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) , convened a crucial press conference today to shed light on the dire situation faced by Palestinian American families in the Chicagoland area. These families are grappling with distressing reality of their beloved ones, including US citizens, who have been abducted and/or are enduring severe deprivation in Gaza.
During the conference, families shared poignant accounts, along with visual evidence including photos and videos, depicting the harrowing conditions faved by their relatives in Gaza. Their stories underscored the urgent need for international attention and humanitarian intervention.
Additionally, Chicagoland physicians who recently completed a medical mission in Gaza provided firsthand insights into the healthcare challenges exacerbating the crisis. Their testimonies lent further weight to the gravity of the situation and highlighted the critical need for immediate action.
Read full press release here
Chicago Coalition Publishes Full Page Chicago Tribune Letter
The Chicago Office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the nation, today announced that a diverse coalition of Muslim, Jewish, African-American, Asian and Union organizations published a full-page ad in Sunday’s Chicago Tribune commending Mayor Johnson and backing the recent city council ceasefire resolution.
CAIR-Chicago condemns the distribution of anti-Jewish flyers in Lincoln Park
WATCH: Chicago's Ceasefire Resolution in Gaza (A Short Documentary)
On January 31st, 2024, Chicago became the largest US city to vote for a ceasefire resolution in Gaza. This video documents the powerful voices and tense moments leading up to this historic decision.
Shot by: Laila Qureishi (Communications Intern)
Doxing Toolkit 2024
In light of the disturbing rise of doxing cases targeting Muslims, particularly students and employees, this comprehensive guidebook serves as a vital resource in educating and empowering community members on how to deal if targeted in person or online.
A woman contacted us regarding her son who was prohibited from reading the Quran during independent reading time.
Two men from Western Sahara contacted CAIR-Chicago with a request for assistance to apply for asylum.
A man from Egypt contacted CAIR-Chicago with a request for assistance to apply for citizenship.
Three men from Iraq contacted CAIR-Chicago to obtain assistance in filing a mandamus suit for their delay citizenship application.
A Rohingya man contacted CAIR-Chicago for assistance in applying for permanent residency after having had refugee status in the US for a year.
A man contacted us regarding Facebook censorship issues.
CAIR-Chicago sent a demand letter to a man's ride-share employer who unjustly terminated him from the app.
A pro Palestine supporter contacted us for assistance regarding his camera being destroyed during a protest.
A man from Morocco contacted us regarding a desire to apply for asylum.
Protecting Your Rights Resource Center
Photo by Şeyma D.
In response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza and Palestine, CAIR-Chicago is proud to announce the launch of our comprehensive resource hub. We understand that individuals may face unique challenges at school, the workplace, and protests during these trying times. Our goal is to provide valuable resources and support to empower you in navigating these situations with resilience and knowledge.
Explore Our Resources:
School Resources: Gain access to educational materials, guides, and toolkits to help students navigate conversations, promote understanding, and address potential challenges related to the Gaza and Palestine crisis within academic settings.
Workplace Support: Discover resources tailored for the workplace, including guidance on addressing discussions, accessing accommodations, and fostering an inclusive environment during these challenging times.
Protest Safety Guides: For those participating in protests, find essential information on staying safe, understanding your rights, and peacefully expressing your support for Gaza and Palestine.
How to Use the Resource Hub:
Visit our website and navigate to the "Protecting Rights Resources" under the "Projects" tab.
Explore the specific categories relevant to your needs (School, Workplace, and Protests).
Access downloadable guides and articles to enhance your understanding and preparedness.
Stay Connected:
Follow us on social media to stay updated on new resources, events, and community initiatives. Join the conversation, share your experiences, and connect with a supportive community that stands in solidarity with Gaza and Palestine.