Resisting Trump, Multi-Faith Group Gathers Sunday in Morton Grove

MORTON GROVE, IL - North Suburban residents and faith groups are organizing a demonstration Sunday against the ban of refugees and migrants from certain Muslim-majority countries and other new executive orders issued by President Donald Trump during his first week in office. The protest also aims to encourage communities of Chicago's suburbs to pass legislation to become 'sanctuary cities,' in which local law enforcement agrees not to cooperate with federal immigration authorities to detain and deport undocumented immigrants.

"At a time when refugees face terrible dangers abroad, it is unconscionable that Donald Trump would restrict their access to safety," Lesley Williams of Jewish Voice for Peace said. "Our local governments must stand in firm solidarity with our Muslim and Arab neighbors in showing their opposition to these immoral executive orders." Organizers, who include Christian, Muslim and Jewish groups, said Trump's orders are feeding into a climate of anti-Semitism, misogyny, Islamophobia and discrimination against African-Americans, the LGBT community, immigrants, refugees and people with disabilities.

"Each day it's imperative we live in concern and know what our government is doing. It's also imperative that we don't live in fear but live in hope," said Dilnaz Waraich or the Muslim Community Center. "This march/rally on Sunday, Jan 29th is to empower all marginalized groups and give hope for the future."

Speakers are scheduled to include Williams and Waraich, as well as Rev. Michael Nabors of the Second baptist Church of Evanston and the Evanston NAACP, Pastor Liz Munoz La Reve of the Iglesia Episcopal Nuestra Senora de las Americas, President of Muslim Community Center Sarwar Nasir, Nashiha Alam of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Rabbi Andrea London of Beth Emet Synagogue and local students.

The event begins at the Muslim Education Center at 8601 Menard Ave in Morton Grove and runs from 1:45 pm to 4:00.