MAY 2026 NEWSLETTER

CAIR Chicago May 2026 Updates!

🚨IN THE NEWS: A recent CBS News article by Mikayla Price highlights CAIR-Chicago’s lawsuit against what we allege as coordinated doxing campaigns by Canary Mission and StopAntisemitism

Register for a ‘Know Your Rights” Workshop in Devon! May 22nd With MFJ & NLG at the Rohingya Center

🚨 URGENT- NEED TO FLOOD COMMITTEE WITH WITNESS SLIPS 🚨

The Faith by Plate Act (Halal/Kosher Bill) was passed last year. Subject Matter hearing for funding to implement the law in public schools ($5 Million) was heard on Senate side a few weeks ago. We have another Subject Matter Hearing on the House Side. Please submit witness slip(s) before the hearing this Tues. 5/19 at 2PM for appropriations HB 5754

FILL OUT YOUR WITNESS SLIP NOW:

https://ilga.gov/House/hearings/details/3049/23031/createwitnessslip

(We are PROPONENTS on this bill.)

HOW TO COMPLETE THE WITNESS SLIP:

1. Identification – Fill in your name and contact information.

2. Representation – Type “Self”

3. Position – Click "HB 5754" under Add Subject Matter and click “PROPONENT” under Add Position. Press Add Position.

4. Testimony – Select “RECORD OF APPEARANCE ONLY.”

5. Check the box “I agree to the ILGA Terms of Agreement” and click “Create (Slip)” to submit.

WE CAN DO THIS! To implement, we need to fund it! 💪🏼 please send this to 20 people! Make sure members of your family each fill one out. Submit yours, and share in your networks. Send a ✅ when done!

Feed Every Student – Fund Halal/Kosher Meals in Illinois Schools!

Illinois Sets a National Standard: Faith By Plate Act Guarantees Halal and Kosher Meals in Public Institutions — Now We Must Fund It.

Illinois made history with the Faith By Plate Act, ensuring access to halal and kosher meals for students, patients, and incarcerated individuals in public schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities.

Now, we must secure the funding needed to make this law a reality.

Funding for halal and kosher meals are critical to implement the law. Without this funding, families and communities that count on halal and kosher meals will be left behind. Illinois has the opportunity to lead the nation as a model for equity and inclusion. A smooth, fully funded implementation will set the example for other states to follow.

Take Action Today: Urge your State Senator to support funding for halal and kosher meals in public schools!

Read the One Pager: https://bit.ly/FaithByPlateFAQs

CAIR-Chicago Joins American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) & Allies at Press Conference Following City Hall Resolution in Support of Salah Sarsour

On May 7, 2026, CAIR-Chicago joined a press conference with American Muslims for Palestine (AMP)-Chicago & advocates, in collaboration with local community organizations, outside of City Hall following the City Council presentation of Resolution R2026-0024891, calling on U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to immediately release Salah Sarsour and to ensure safeguarding of immigrant rights and prevention of further abuses of power in immigration enforcement.


Speakers included advocates from AMP Chicago, Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez, Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, Ald. Anthony Quezada, USPCN, PYM Chicago, and CAIR-Chicago.

City Hall will reconvene for a vote to support Salah Sarsour on Tues, May 19th!

🚨Please email public comment by 1 PM on Monday, May 18th CommitteeOnHealthAndHumanRelations@CityofChicago.org

Listen to Communications Coordinator, Jordan Esparza-Kelley give public comment

Join CAIR-Chicago and partners in Springfield on Wednesday, May 20th for ICHR’s Day of Action at the State Capitol.

We’ll be meeting with legislators and rallying to repeal Illinois’ anti-boycott law, defend human rights, and protect our pensions. Our community’s voice matters — now is the time to show up and take collective action.

Sign up today: https://bit.ly/audayofaction

CAIR-Chicago Demands Immediate Cancellation of Judson University Award to Genocide Denier, Calls for Accountability

(CHICAGO, IL, 4/30/2026) – The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today demanded that Judson University immediately cancel its planned award honoring Milorad Dodik and publicly account for its failure to respond to formal concerns raised by civil rights and Bosnian-American organizations. 

READ MORE: Judson University faces backlash over ‘Democracy Award’ to sanctioned Bosnian leader

Despite receiving CAIR-Chicago’s letter outlining serious concerns—including Dodik’s record of genocide denial and actions undermining democratic institutions—the University has not returned any communications. 

SEE: CAIR-Chicago's Letter to Judson University

Thrilled to announce CAIR-Chicago will join as the community impact partner for Apna Bazaar Season 2!

Visit our table and hear from our speakers on May 30th, 1-11pm at Waterford Banquets in Elmhurst, IL

Ahmed Rehab Speaks to ICN Naperville Youth on Awareness & Action

CAIR-Chicago Joins PAVE Coalition for Asian American Action Day at IL Capitol!

CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab Delivers Friday Khutba at University of Chicago

CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab delivered the Friday prayer sermon (khutba) at the University of Chicago on May 8, 2026 before 200+ attendees gathered for Jummah prayers!


The khutba brought together students, faculty, and community members for a meaningful Friday gathering centered on faith, community, and civic engagement.

Hajj is expected to start May 25, 2026, and end on May 30, 2026. Good to issue KYR guidance. 



1. Your Rights as an Airline Passenger and the Hajj and Umrah centered Your Rights While Travelling (Youtube video) (Instagram video).
2. Current TSA guidance for religious travelers. See in particular the religious items drop down, “Pilgrims returning from the Hajj who wish to bring back holy water in their carry-on bag should follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule or pack it in their checked baggage.”
3. Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council issued travel warning “Reconsider Participating in Hajj 2026” due to Iran conflict. CAIR did not comment on the warning. Provided here for your awareness, as it suggests reduced embassy support for pilgrims.