What will you do for our community?

This year we proved we’re strong enough to fight. But we need your help.

Dear Friend,

What an incredible year it’s been for us here at CAIR-Philadelphia. So much joy and pain have collided in my heart over the past 12 months that it leaves me speechless. Looking back, one thing is clear: Our communities are strong and resilient, and we are immeasurably proud to serve them. Can we count on you to help us continue building power for Muslims in Pennsylvania?

Invest in our Muslim communities today!

It’s hard to believe that a year ago we were just finding our footing in the wake of Israel’s war on Gaza. With a staff of just 8 people, our small organization had to reorganize our work at a moment’s notice to ensure we kept pace with our communities’ needs. Since October 2023, we have seen a steep and unabating rise in Islamophobia, which our community members have felt in every aspect of our lives. To push back this rising tide, in the past year we have:

Expanded our legal team to defend individuals who faced discrimination in their workplaces, universities, and schools and lead Know Your Rights trainings
Supported student demonstrators exercising their right to free speech by protesting the War on Gaza
Built community for young Muslim professionals who have felt isolated in their workplaces
Trained youth leaders on self-advocacy, organizing skills, and media engagement
Conducted school climate surveys to understand how our children are being impacted by Islamophobia from their teachers, administrators, and peers
Advocated for diet equity and religious accommodation in public institutions, including schools, hospitals, and prisons
Leaned into our interfaith work to build understanding with others impacted by the War on Gaza, including our Jewish neighbors

This has been the most difficult and meaningful year in our organization’s 20-year history. Our ability to rise to the challenge fills me with pride. But it has also stretched our resources to the breaking point.

The fight against Islamophobia is the most important fight of our lives. And our work will only grow in the year ahead, as an administration with a track record of Islamophobic policies steps into office. Our community members have already weathered a year of tension and heartache.

After the whirlwind of this past year, I know we are strong enough to do this. But we need your help to reach our goal of raising $55,000 by December 31. We are facing 2025 in fear of deportations, legalized discrimination, and emboldened acts of violence against our people. We need additional attorneys to increase our litigation capacity, develop immigration aid, and stand with non-profits who may be targeted. We also need to increase our staff capacity to organize across Pennsylvania and Delaware.