Dear Friends and Supporters of CAIR-Philadelphia, As-salaamu Alaikum,
As 2018 dawns, it is once again time to invite you to CAIR-Philadelphia’s Annual Banquet; this year will be our 12th!
CAIR-Philadelphia’s banquet has become the social event of the year for the rapidly expanding Muslim community of the Greater Delaware Valley. It is a time to meet old friends and make new acquaintances; a time to be inspired; and a time to support the work of CAIR-Philadelphia at this crucial moment in the life of our community and in the history of our country.
Past speakers at our banquets have included such scholars, luminaries, and public officials as Sheikh Zaid Shakir, Imam Suhaib Webb, activist Linda Sarsour, Governors Tom Wolf and Ed Rendell, and Mayor Michael Nutter.
This year’s banquet promises to be another stellar event, with keynote speaker Dalia Mogahed (Muslim scholar, author, and activist), entertainer Mo Amer (Palestinian-American comedian), and all the way from California, our Mistress of Ceremonies, Zahra Billoo (Executive Director of the Bay Area Chapter of CAIR and civil rights attorney).
There will also be another dramatic multimedia production from our in-house impresario Jacob Bender, and for the kids, “Mad Science” returns with a whole new show.
These are no ordinary times for the American Muslim community: what with Muslim travel bans and talk of Muslim registries; the eruption of widespread Islamophobia in print, on broadcast media, and throughout the internet; the startling increase of anti-Muslim hate crimes across the country; and as 2017 ended, the egregious American endorsement of Israel’s unilateral and illegal actions in Jerusalem. And most shocking of all, a divisive anti-Muslim campaign of fear-mongering and stereotyping, sadly led by the highest official in the land.
In this blighted American landscape, now more than ever, CAIR is an irreplaceable and indispensable address for the American Muslim community, offering free legal assistance for Muslims in need of civil rights representation, enhancing the understanding of Islam, empowering American Muslims, and building coalitions that promote justice and peace.
Last year, CAIR-Philadelphia’s banquet was a sold-out affair with many turned away at the door. To guarantee seats for your family, buy tickets today.
If you are a business or individual with an interest in marketing your products or services to the Muslim population of the Greater Delaware Valley, consider sponsoring this event by advertising in our Annual Report (which will be distributed to hundreds of attendees) or reserving a vending table.
We look forward to seeing you on March 10th, 2018 at the beautiful Springfield Country Club in Springfield, PA.
Wasalaam,
Sally Selim,
Banquet Chair
