(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 11/6/24) — The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today commended Pennsylvanian Muslims for turning out to vote in yesterday’s election despite deep frustration and disillusionment with both major parties due to the genocide in Gaza.
CAIR-Philadelphia’s nonpartisan voter engagement program knocked on 32,695 doors, sent 49,593 text messages, and made 113,262 phone calls to Muslim and BIPOC voters across Pennsylvania.
CAIR and CAIR-Philadelphia also called on Democratic elected officials to learn lessons from Vice President Harris’ loss of support among Muslims and other voters opposed to the Gaza genocide.
CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Dr. Ahmet Tekelioglu said,
“CAIR-Philadelphia is ready to expand its fight against injustice and protect American Muslims regardless of who is pursuing unjust policies. Together with our allies, we will work toward a future where every individual is respected, and our tax dollars are not weaponized against our communities at home or abroad.”
CAIR also pledged to work with partners and allies in the coming months and years to once again oppose the pursuit of any unjust or harmful domestic or foreign policies by the new administration.
As CAIR mobilizes to advance just policies and protect civil rights in the coming years, it plans to prioritize:
- Challenging Discriminatory Immigration Policies: CAIR will work to counter any reintroduction of travel bans targeting Muslims and African nations or attempts to punish student activists supporting Palestinian rights.
- Opposing Surveillance and Profiling: CAIR will intensify advocacy against overreaching government programs that monitor and profile American Muslims and push for transparent oversight of FBI surveillance practices, border profiling and other discriminatory measures.
- Safeguarding Advocacy Rights for Nonprofits: CAIR will defend Muslim, Palestinian and other nonprofits from politically-motivated investigations or threats to their tax-exempt status, ensuring organizations can advocate without fear of retaliation.
- Advocating for International Human Rights: CAIR will continue calling for an end to unconditional U.S. support for the far-right Israeli government and will push for policies that uphold global human rights, including for Uyghur, Sudanese, and Indian Muslims.
- Establish Interest-Free Student Loans: CAIR will campaign for a comprehensive student loan reform plan that would address the student debt crisis by establishing interest-free, principle-only student loans.
- Countering Racism in Policing: CAIR will urge passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act or similar actions to address police brutality through administrative action.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu, atekelioglu@cair.com, 617-401-5397.
