CAIR Chicago successfully holds its 20th Annual Banquet.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)-Chicago 2024 Annual Gala, with the theme "Momentum: 20 Years of Service," was held on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Drury Lane in OakBrook Terrace to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Chicago chapter

The Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a Muslim civil rights and advocacy group. It is headquartered on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., with regional offices nationwide. Through civil rights actions, media relations, civic engagement, and education, The CAIR's purpose is to promote social, legal and political activism among Muslims in America.

Bringing together Chicago's Muslim communities and supporters annually, this event is one of the city's biggest grassroots organizational gatherings. It features over 70 letters of recognition from public leaders and a diverse representation of Chicago's Muslim communities by race, age, ethnicity, and occupation.

"Over the 20 years we have been in operation, we have worked hard to offer valuable pro-bono legal professional services, tell our own story, challenge media narratives, and build power and access to key tables in politics, media, business, and education," stated Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago, in an interview with local news networks. We are eager to continue serving and protecting the Muslim American community for another Several years. He further Said, " Our mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance."

Maggie Slavin and Wesam Shahed, the event's emcees, had a pretty great start. As is customary, Imam Hassan Ali Kasi recited the Qur'an to start the ceremony.

Participants watched a video presentation that highlighted some of the important work that this CAIR Chapter has done. More information was provided by Executive Director Ahmed Rehab, who also set the scene for the event's fundraising portion. Among the several services the organization provides, its legal assistance is undoubtedly the most notable. CAIR has been there for many people in need of their services, whether it is through immigration assistance or lawsuits against discrimination. CAIR is able to suit generously and takes civil rights seriously.

Alexi Giannoulias, the secretary of state, was scheduled to attend. Due to his packed work schedule, he was unable to attend the conference; However, he delivered the audience a video message

Congresswomen Delia Ramirez and Faiyaz Hussain, a local attorney, took turns taking the stage and speaking to the audience.

Congresswoman Delia Ramirez highlighted about civil rights issues in America.

Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago highlighted several issues including Palestine and American Muslim. He said, "CAIR are protecting and defending the constitutional rights of Muslims to freely practice their religion and be treated in a non-discriminatory manner. In addition to pursuing individual complaints of religious discrimination reported to CAIR - Chicago, the Civil Rights Department has implemented several ongoing special projects that target important issues in the diverse Muslim communities in the Chicago Area.

Shahir Raslan, a member of the Muslim community, helped with the financial fundraising that night. There were numerous numbers of audience present, and the Imam led the fundraising with a lot of humor and wisdom. He made a compelling appeal for the fund.

An American political activist Linda Sarsour Was the Keynote Speaker. She highlighted the environment of animosity towards Islamophobia that we face and encouraged everyone in our community to speak up more when people are being singled out due to systemic racism and to move beyond the humanitarian and interfaith work that we perform. Her main point was that the Muslim community in this nation must openly support the rights of Palestine Americans and all human rights in order for them to support us as well. Because CAIR Chicago is the only organization that can file a lawsuit and takes civil rights seriously, she urged the audience to support the organization.
At the End Closing Remark and Prayers Done by Dr. Mazen Kudaimi.