As the first non-Muslim, and American Jew, to head one of CAIR’s 33 chapters across the country, my hiring was, of course, an experiment. Yet, as I came to know many of you, and as you came to know me, I was quickly welcomed with open arms by the diverse Muslim communities all across the Greater Delaware Valley region. I now turn to you in a moment of need, in a time of turmoil, to ask for your help in supporting the wonderful organization that I am privileged to lead, and which means so much to the Muslim communities of my new city. Day in and day, month in and out, CAIR provides invaluable services to thousands of Muslims and others all across the region...
Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu, CAIR- Philadelphia's Education and Outreach Director conducted dozens of diversity trainings on Islam, Muslims and religious accommodations, including for the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunities Commission), the Federal Executive Board, and the Please Touch Museum. He worked with Muslim youth in empowerment programs such as MYLP and Muslim Civic Activism Fellowship projects.
Timothy N. Welbeck, Esq., CAIR- Philadelphia's Civil Rights Attorney, responded to more than 150 incidents of hate speech, workplace harassment, and bullying of school-age Muslim children in 2018. He is on pace to field the same amount, if not more, prospective clients in 2019.
On the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the CAIR-Philadelphia Staff, Executive Committee and Advisory Board wish you and your families Ramadan Mubarak, Ramadan Kareem, a Happy and Blessed Ramadan. During this sacred month, please consider making a donation to CAIR-Philadelphia. We are a nonprofit organization and all contributions to CAIR are tax-deductible and zakat-eligible.
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.
The year 2018 is drawing to a close, with the past several months being particularly difficult ones for those of us committed to a pluralistic, peaceful, and just vision of America.
As we have remarked before, the United States continues to witness a spike in Islamophobia, which has become exacerbated by the brazen bigotry and xenophobia of the present presidential administration. While various outlets like Newsweek and The Washington Post each have reported on this heinous rise in hate targeting Muslims, I can personally attest to this increase firsthand based on the numerous complaints I routinely field as the Muslim community suffers from the anguish and anxiety caused by the implications of increased harassment and discrimination.
As Jacob Bender, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director, emphasized in his recent “Director’s Desk” article “On Losing a Battle,” despite the waves of sad and angering events in our country, we are keeping our spirits up by channeling our energies to serve and empower the American Muslim community in these difficult times.
On Friday August 24, CAIR-Philadelphia -- together with two other American Muslim organizations: Emgage Pennsylvania and MPower Change -- organized a voter registration drive as part of National Muslim Registration Day (#NMVRD #mymuslimvote). The drive took place at Islamic Society of Chester County in West Chester, and CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Jacob Bender and Outreach and Education Director Ahmet Tekelioglu spent the afternoon registering many new Pennsylvania voters arriving for Jumma (Friday afternoon prayers).
