(LOS ANGELES, CA – 11/03/2021) – The Los Angeles chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today announced that approximately 300 attendees gathered for a small, outdoor dinner in honor of its 25th anniversary.
The event, themed “Inspired by Faith. Leading by Service” and emceed by CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo, was held in place of CAIR-LA’s typically highly attended annual banquet due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Speakers included Congresswoman Ilhan Omar; CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush; CAIR-LA Deputy Executive Director Masih Fouladi (with a guest appearance by former CAIR-LA Deputy Executive Director Ameena Qazi); CAIR-LA Policy & Manager Fayaz Nawabi; CAIR-LA Senior Programs Manager Zienab Abdelgany; and CAIR-LA Governance Board Member Dr. Shafeeq Shamsid-Deen.
Also in attendance were two of the plaintiffs in CAIR-LA’s first-ever Supreme Court case, Ali Uddin Malik and Yasser AbdelRahim, who joined Masih Fouladi onstage for a conversation about their experiences being targets of FBI surveillance due to their religious beliefs. The case, FBI v. Fazaga, will be heard before the Supreme Court on Nov. 8, 2021.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“It has been an honor and a privilege to be able to serve the Southern California Muslim community for the past 25 years. We would not have been able to get where we are today without your support. We look forward to continuing to empower American Muslims, protect the image of Islam, and assist immigrants and refugees for the next 25 years and beyond, insh’Allah.”
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties 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: CAIR-LA Social & Digital Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 776-1847 or eelkadi@cair.com