(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 8/15/ 2025) – The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today issued an alert to both prominent public figures and grassroots activists supporting Palestinian human rights about a disturbing impersonation scheme aimed at creating division and silencing advocacy.
CAIR-Philadelphia recently learned that a prominent actress known for her public support of Gaza was targeted with a fraudulent letter sent in the name of the respected University of Pennsylvania professor and activist Huda Fakhreddine. The letter — which was not written or authorized by Professor Fakhreddine — appears designed to sow mistrust between high-profile supporters of Palestinian human rights and the activists on the ground.
The letter was returned to the impersonated address and to CAIR-Philadelphia, whose legal team, together with Attorneys Jonathan Wallace and Josh Herman, are representing Professor Fakhreddine. The legal team has contacted both the Philadelphia Police Department and the United States Postal Service regarding the impersonation. Legal action is being pursued against those responsible.
“This is a calculated attempt to intimidate and fracture the movement for Palestinian human rights,” said CAIR-Philadelphia Legal Director Adam Attia. “We urge both celebrities who have spoken out for Gaza and grassroots advocates to remain vigilant. Do not take such communications at face value — verify before responding and report suspicious messages immediately.”
CAIR-Philadelphia emphasized that such impersonation schemes are part of a larger pattern of anti-Palestinian harassment intended to discourage advocacy and public solidarity. The organization called on supporters, community members, and public figures to share this information widely so that others are aware of the scale and sophistication of these tactics.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Adam Alaa Attia, Esq., CAIR-Philadelphia Legal Director, aattia@cair.com; Ahmet Tekelioglu, PhD., CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director, atekelioglu@cair.com, 617-401-5397.
