MEDIA DIGEST: CAIR-Chicago and Leaders Host Press Conference Demanding for IL Senator Feigenholtz's Resignation
(See full presser and wide press coverage below)
On November 1, 2024, CAIR-Chicago, joined by the community's Muslim and Jewish leaders, advocates, and elected officials, hosted a critical press conference in Chicago to confront the Islamophobic and anti-Arab hate speech previously shared by Illinois Senator Sara Feigenholtz. Together, we called for her resignation and immediate removal from Senate committee leadership by Senate President Don Harmon.
Sign the petition at bit.ly/DemandResignation
Speakers included Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago; Dr. Dilara Sayeed, President of the Muslim Civic Coalition; Robert Dixon, a constituent from Senator Feigenholtz’s District 6; Marty Levine of Jewish Voices for Peace (JVP); Dr. Scott C. Alexander, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Catholic Theological Union; IL Rep. Lilian Jimenez (4th House District); and IL Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid (21st House District). Present were also CIOGC, ACES, Mosque Foundation, and Hindus For Human Rights.
CAIR-CHICAGO IN THE NEWS:
CBS: Chicago Muslim civil rights group calls for state senator's resignation over social media posts
ACTION ALERT
Senator Sara Feigenholtz’s recent Islamophobic and anti-Arab posts threaten the safety and trust of her constituents. Despite community outreach, she continues to amplify harmful, dehumanizing messages. This week, Illinois launched the Help Stop Hate portal to combat rising hate, yet her actions undermine these efforts.
We call on the Illinois Senate, including Senate President Don Harmon, to hold Senator Feigenholtz to the same standard she has demanded of others and take immediate action for her resignation. Anything less signals a tolerance for hate and division.
The chilling nature of her hate speech is especially alarming, coming just one year after the tragic murder of six-year-old Wadee Al-Fayoumi. His hate crime is a stark reminder that incendiary, xenophobic rhetoric can incite violence and endanger lives.
Senator Feigenholtz represents IL Senate District 6, a diverse community that includes Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Uptown, and Ravenswood—home to many Arab and Muslim residents. Do you live in one of these neighborhoods?