(CHICAGO, IL, 5/30/2024) - CAIR-Chicago stood in solidarity with our Muslim community leaders at a press conference addressing the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Together, we called for an URGENT ceasefire as the Palestinian people have suffered genocide for over 8 months.

Representatives from the Council of Islamic Organization of Greater Chicago (CIOGC), Downtown Islamic Center (DIC), American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), MedGlobal , CAIR-Chicago, and others gathered to speak up against the recent tragedies being reported out of Rafah, as graphic images of martyrs amidst tents on fires went viral on social media. On May 26, 2024, at least 35 innocent lives were lost due to Israeli airstrikes targeting a designated "safe zone" in Rafah, a supposed refuge for Gazans. The conference concluded with a heartfelt prayer led by Imam Hassan Aly.

When asked by the press about his reaction to the President and White House officials' reluctance to use the term "genocide," Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago, responded

“I think it is a mistake that needs to be corrected. The definition of genocide is “the intentional destruction of a people in whole or in part” and I think when you look at what is happening on the ground, coupled with the statements that are coming from the leaders and administration of the military and government, that are perpetrating these crimes…it is quite obvious that this definition is fulfilled.

I think the  fact that we're even debating whether it's a genocide or not means that we're in a really bad place”.

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