CAIR-Philadelphia

CAIR Condemns Terror Attack on New Zealand Mosques, Urges Stepped-Up Security by Muslim Communities in U.S., Worldwide

The Philadelphia Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today mourned the deaths of more than 40 worshipers gunned down in terror attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, during prayers on Friday, condemned the apparent anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant hate that motivated the attacks and urged mosques in the United States and worldwide to step up security measures.

Read MoreCAIR Condemns Terror Attack on New Zealand Mosques, Urges Stepped-Up Security by Muslim Communities in U.S., Worldwide
CAIR-Philadelphia Collage

CAIR-Philadelphia Banquet a SOLD-OUT Success!

More than 900 American Muslims, interfaith leaders, and social justice activists gathered at Springfield Country Club last Saturday, March 9th, for the 13th Annual Banquet of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. US Congresswomen Susan Wild, Chrissy Houlahan, and Mary Gay Scanlon were present, along with other political, community, religious and interfaith leaders, and imams and representatives from almost all of the Delaware Valley Islamic centers and mosques.

Read MoreCAIR-Philadelphia Banquet a SOLD-OUT Success!
CAIR-Philadelphia Collage

CAIR-Pennsylvania Applauds Church’s Decision to Cancel Event Featuring Anti-Muslim Hate Group Leader Brigitte Gabriel

The Philadelphia and Pittsburgh chapters of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Pennsylvania) today applauded Cross Creek Community Church in Kingston Township, Penn., for its decision to cancel a presentation by Brigitte Gabriel, head of the anti-Muslim hate group ACT for America. Pastor Dave Martin told a local media outlet that he withdrew approval to hold the event at his church after learning more about Gabriel and her hate group.

Read MoreCAIR-Pennsylvania Applauds Church’s Decision to Cancel Event Featuring Anti-Muslim Hate Group Leader Brigitte Gabriel
CAIR-Philadelphia Collage

CAIR-Pennsylvania Calls for Resignation of Local School Board Official Over Anti-Muslim Posts​

The Philadelphia and Pittsburgh chapters of the Council on American-Islamic Relations-Pennsylvania (CAIR-Pennsylvania) today called for the resignation of a local school board member who shared anti-Muslim posts on Facebook and Twitter. The official, Frank Scavo, is the president of Old Forge School Board in Lackawanna County, as well as a Republican candidate for state representative. In the posts, Mr. Scavo portrayed Muslims as terrorists, pedophiles or rapists on his personal Facebook and Twitter accounts during the last four years.

Read MoreCAIR-Pennsylvania Calls for Resignation of Local School Board Official Over Anti-Muslim Posts​

CAIR-Philadelphia Condemns Trump’s Planned Border Wall Emergency Declaration as ‘Abuse of Executive Authority’

The Philadelphia Chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia), the local office of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned President Trump’s announcement that he will declare a national emergency to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border as an “abuse of executive authority.” Yesterday, Trump announced that he will sign legislation to prevent a government shutdown while at the same time declaring a national emergency to build the border wall.

Read MoreCAIR-Philadelphia Condemns Trump’s Planned Border Wall Emergency Declaration as ‘Abuse of Executive Authority’
CAIR-Philadelphia Collage

New Exhibit at Please Touch Museum Teaches Muslim Culture

CAIR-Philadelphia partnered with Please Touch Museum to train the Museum staff on the basic tenets and history of Islam ahead of America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far, an exhibit that recently opened to the public at the Please Touch Museum.

The exhibit is a hands-on experience for kids to learn about Muslim art, architecture, trade, fashion and more. CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Committee Member Salima Suswell was featured on PHL17's segment:

Read MoreNew Exhibit at Please Touch Museum Teaches Muslim Culture

Tell Congress to Protect Free Speech, Oppose Unconstitutional Anti-BDS Bill

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group, today called on all Americans who value the Constitution to contact their elected representatives in Congress to urge them to oppose an “anti-BDS” bill introduced last week that would provide federal protection to states that pass laws penalizing Americans who participate in political boycotts aimed at Israel and its illegal settlements in occupied territories.

Read MoreTell Congress to Protect Free Speech, Oppose Unconstitutional Anti-BDS Bill

Happy New Year from CAIR-Philadelphia

For many Muslims in America, myself included, 2018 was a difficult year, as we witnessed the growth off verbal and physical attacks on American Muslims and other minorities; all, no doubt, encouraged by the open and coded racist discourse emanating from the highest government officials in the land and spread maliciously throughout the internet and broadcast and print media.

Read MoreHappy New Year from CAIR-Philadelphia