Dear Community Members, Assalamu Alaykum & Greetings of peace. 
This morning, the world woke up to the disheartening reality that Donald Trump will be the next President of the United States of America.
This news sent a shockwave throughout the American Muslim community and many fellow Americans, and there are many legitimate concerns about what this means for the future of our community, other minority communities, and our country as a whole.
Although the future may be full of uncertainties, there are things we can be certain about and should keep in perspective.
This is our country. Muslims have been a part of the fabric of American society for hundreds of years and we are not going anywhere. Whether we recently immigrated or we have been here for generations, we take pride in the fact that we call America home. We will not allow the election of any individual to change who we are or the place we call home. American Muslims are here to stay in their country, we are proud American Muslims, and we will not be intimidated or marginalized.
We must continue to build bridges of understanding. American Muslims have been an active part of the Interfaith coalition in our state for many decades. It is imperative that we continue to build bridges of understanding, dialogue, respect, peace and love on the foundation of cooperation that has been laid by those that pioneered these efforts. Only by working together can we see a positive change in our society for people of all faiths, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds.
We must keep a positive attitude. Many positive things happened Tuesday night that must not be overlooked. Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American Muslim woman made history after she claimed a strong victory in a Minnesota House of Representatives race. Locally, several progressive politicians that support the diverse fabric of America were elected to office. We will continue to work with our elected leaders on issues that are important to the American Muslim community and ensure our voice is heard in our area, in Sacramento, and in Washington D.C.
Know that CAIR-LA is here for you. Regardless of what challenges the future holds for our Muslim community, know that we are here for you. CAIR-LA will continue to fight for your rights, defend the freedoms enshrined in our Constitution, and confront the growing atmosphere of Islamophobia in our state and country. Know that you can count on us and that we take pride in our ability to safeguard our community.
The work of moving forward has already begun. This morning CAIR leaders in D.C. organized a press conference to outline next steps to protect all Americans. You can watch the video here.
Know that your continued support to CAIR is what has and will continue to help empower American Muslims.
Join me and the rest of the SoCal Muslim community, interfaith leaders, elected officials and allies at CAIR-LA's 20th Anniversary Gala on Saturday Nov.19 to celebrate the successes of our community and to send a strong message to the racists, bigots and Islamophobes, that we are a strong and united community that will continue to challenge hate and advance justice for all.
If you cannot attend the gala, please support CAIR's work and donate.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any ideas about post-election projects and efforts. Additionally, please be sure to contact us if you experience any type of discrimination or harassment. As always, you can reach us by calling CAIR-LA's Civil Rights Hotline714.776.1177 or visiting CAIR-LA online.
Sincerely,
Hussam Ayloush, M.B.A.
CAIR-LA Executive Director