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Inclusive Meals: What That Means To Me

At Vista Ridge High School, Muslim students like me bring lunch from home every day — not because we want to, but because there are no halal options in the cafeteria. It’s more than just food; it’s about dignity, belonging, and giving our families a little relief. For me, it also meant watching my mom lose sleep every night to make sure I had something to eat. In this personal story, I want to share what that experience has been like — and how one small change once brought us both a bit of joy. The world is quiet, the…

CAIR-Austin in the News: French Bo's Controversial Poll

CAIR-Autsin Media Coverage: Legislation Session 2025

CAIR-Austin: Muslim Community Offers Prayers, Relief Efforts for Central Texas Flood Victims

CAIR-Texas Demands Removal of Tarrant County GOP Chair Over Antisemitic, Islamophobic Poll

CAIR Austin, Community Leaders To Postpone Dr. Qusay Hussein (1988-2025)’s Memorial Event

30 years of serving the Muslim Community

Know Your Rights With Law Enforcement Event

CAIR Texas First Lunch and Learn for Texas Capitol officials and staff

No State Commission meetings in Hateful Places

CAIR-Texas monitors 2025 legislative session

CAIR-Texas Applauds House Resolution 85 Recognizing March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia

CAIR-Austin Opposing SB 17 in support of the Asian community targeted

CAIR Austin welcomes stepping down of UT President Hartzell and hopes for better leadership

CAIR-Austin Election Resources

Know Your Rights

CAIR-Texas Response to Governor Abbott’s Selective Grief

3rd Annual Eid Celebration and Friday Prayer at the Capitol

In Memory of Bassem Masri: Palestine to Ferguson Leadership Scholarship Fund

CAIR-Texas Faith Ambassador Program - Build Bridges of Mutual Understanding

Austin Voter Registration Campaign

Request a Presentation for Your Children's School

United Against Hate

Have a Presence. Mobilize. Learn the Process Hands-on

CAIR Austin/DFW Co-sponsored the 11th Annual Film Festival at Denton

CAIR-DFW is Endorsing the 11th Annual Palestine Film Festival

CAIR Texas Calls UT Austin to Reinstate Two TAs Over Pro-Palestinian Message

Action Items: Inclusive and Welcoming Schools and Universities

An Act of Worship: Unapologetic Documentary on American Muslims Experience (Austin)

An Act of Worship: Unapologetic Documentary on American Muslims Experience (DFW)

Urgent Alert And Community Resources

CAIR DFW Response to UT Dallas President's Letter Regarding the Situation in the Middle East

CAIR- Austin Response to UT Austin President's One-Sided Message

Petition: Demand President Jay Hartzell to Adopt a Balanced View of the Mideast Human Crisis

Bullying, Religious Accommodation, and Mental Health in Public Schools

Muslim Religious Accomodations

CAIR-TX calls for Campus Ban of Men who Harrassed Students at UT Austin Palestine Solidarity…

What Is Juneteenth?

“Juneteenth is a day that at once reminds me of a profound step in the slow march of progress, and the long unrelenting struggle to reach our destination.” This is a view voiced by Harry Gaggos and echoed by countless Black Americans across the United States. June 19th, 2021, the United States Federal Government recognized Juneteenth as a holiday. However, Juneteenth is by no means a new holiday, as it has been celebrated since 1866. Juneteenth was a holiday born of the Union’s victory in the Civil War. Although the Civil War ended on May 26, 1865, enforcement of the…

Religious Accommodations During Ramadan: an Interview with Shaikh Tahir Patel

RRISD Maintained Eid-Ul-Fitr as a Student Holiday as Planned

The Indian Caste System in American Universities

CAIR-TX Condemns Islamophobic Statement by Rep. Tony Tinderholt on Ramadan Resolution

Overcoming Bullying 2022 Survey & Report Campaign - CAIR-TX Austin & DFW

In Their Footsteps: Host a Free Documentary Screening & Discussion During #BlackHistoryMonth

Fired after Complaining about Mistreatment of Muslim Workers

2022 The Illusive Inclusion Report by CAIR-Texas Austin/DFW

X Is Not Always Negative!

CAIR to Deliver Oral Argument in Texas Free Speech Anti-BDS Case

(WASHINGTON, DC, 11/4/2022) – On Monday, Nov. 7, an attorney with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, is scheduled to deliver oral arguments in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in A&R Engineering and Testing, Inc. v. Ken Paxton. Support the Work of CAIR-TX: Donate Today... CAIR’s First Amendment lawsuit is on behalf of the engineering firm, owned by Rasmy Hassouna, who refused to sign an anti-BDS loyalty oath to Israel as part of the company’s contract with the City of Houston. CAIR achieved a major victory on behalf of Rasmy when the…

Dallas Morning News: Man convicted of murder at Muslim-owned tire shop in Dallas faces hate-crime…

Prosecutors announced Wednesday that a grand jury indicted Anthony Paz Torres, 37, on one count of hate crime resulting in death and four counts of hate crime involving attempt to kill. He also was indicted on a charge of using a firearm during a violent crime. Torres does not have an attorney listed in court records. On Christmas Eve 2015, Torres shot multiple people at Omar’s Wheels and Tires, a Muslim-owned business in Pleasant Grove, during an attack that was motivated by his desire to avenge attacks by Islamic extremists in Garland and California, authorities have said. A…

CAIR-DFW Welcomes Hate Crime Ruling for 2015 Murder of Muslim Man

(DALLAS, TX, 10/19/2022) – The Dallas Fort-Worth chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-DFW) today welcomed a federal grand jury’s indictment of Anthony Paz Torres on hate crime charges for the 2015 murder of a Muslim man in Dallas. A federal grand jury indicted Torres, 37, with federal hate crimes after he allegedly killed a Muslim man and attempted to kill several others in a shooting at a Dallas tire shop in 2015. Torres had reportedly gone to the business a few days earlier, but was told by law enforcement officers to not return. When he returned on Christmas…

Muslim Parents Don't Let Uniform Concerns Prevent Your Kids From Sports - Ask for Religious…

Community members often reach out to me when their children are bullied or if the educational material taught in school misrepresents Islam, Muslims, Arabs, or promotes general biases. Over the last year, since Covid restrictions have diminished, parents have contacted me stating that they do not allow their children to play sports or take them out of sports because the team uniform does not comply with their religious beliefs. At first, I found this notion difficult as playing sports is a part of a healthy lifestyle, and it both sharpens the body and the mind. Plus, playing with others…

Good News Alert - His Work Stopped Him From Praying & Going to Jummah -…

CAIR-Austin Holds 1st Austin Muslim Culture Fest! - KXAN T.V. News

(AUSTIN, TX, 9/22/2022) — On Saturday, October 1st, the Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, will host Austin’s first Muslim cultural art and food festival. This festival aims to celebrate the rich diversity of the Austin Muslim community through art, food, educational programs in English and Spanish, and cultural performances. WHAT: Austin Muslims Cultural Art & Food Festival WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 1st, 11 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. WHERE: The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) located in Waller Beach at Town Lake…

Celebration of Austin’s first Muslim Culture Festival

Harsha Ketavarapu, Life & Arts ReporterOctober 4, 2022 A canvas adorned with faint, wispy clouds capture the sight of a sunset. Next to it, another painting proudly displays a stunning city landscape on one of many bazaar stands. Visitors exchange awed glances as they pass various artworks broadcasted at the first Austin Muslim Culture Fest at Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. The Council on American-Islamic Relations hosted the first Austin Muslim Culture Fest on Saturday to celebrate the city’s vibrant and diverse Muslim community. The festival featured a wide variety of food, art, clothing and jewelry vendors, as…

MEDIA ADVISORY CAIR-Austin to Host City’s First Muslim Culture Festival to Celebrate Rich Diversity of…

MEDIA ADVISORY CAIR-Austin to Host City’s First Muslim Culture Festival to Celebrate Rich Diversity of Austin Muslims (AUSTIN, TX, 9/22/2022) -- On Saturday, October 1st, the Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin), a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, will host Austin's first Muslim cultural art and food festival. This festival aims to celebrate the rich diversity of the Austin Muslim community through art, food, educational programs in English and Spanish, and cultural performances. WHAT: Austin Muslims Cultural Art & Food Festival WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 1st, 11 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. …

'She started hitting me' | Victim of viral, racist confrontation in Plano parking lot speaks

The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the incident and called on police to charge the woman. “The level of vitriol and alleged physical assault against four Indian-American women in Plano is truly appalling,” said Faizan Syed, executive director of CAIR-DFW. “This type of hate has no place in North Texas, and we call on law enforcement to investigate this incident as a hate crime.” “As a Mexican-American, I’m appalled that someone would dare use my people’s name to spread hate,” said Nahela Morales, a Mexican-American and Board Member of CAIR-DFW. “As people of color, we need to stand…

Video: CAIR-Texas DFW Calls on Law Enforcement to Bring Charges After Racial Slurs, Attack Targeting…

CAIR-Dallas Calls on Law Enforcement to Bring Charges After Racial Slurs, Attack Targeting Four Indian-American…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAIR-Dallas Calls on Law Enforcement to Bring Charges After Racial Slurs, Attack Targeting Four Indian-American Women (DALLAS, TX, 8/25/2022) – The Dallas Fort Worth chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-DFW) today condemned alleged racial slurs and physical attacks targeting four Indian-American women in Plano, Texas, CAIR-DFW called on law enforcement authorities to investigate and bring charges against the alleged assailant. Video posted online reportedly shows a woman wearing a black dress cursing and insulting four Indian-American women outside of Sixty Vines in Plano, Texas. In the video, the woman says, “Go back to India.…

Remembering Thomas Muhammad: A Friend, Muslim Activist, and a Human Rights Leader on the Front…

Author: Imam Khalid Shaheed, Masjid Al-Islam and Lifelong Friend Thomas Muhammad was my dear friend and an absolute legend in the truest sense of the word, both locally and nationally. He was a community organizer, a freedom fighter, a writer, a leader of organizations, a mentor, a confidante to civic leaders and elected officials, a film producer, a political activist, a humanitarian, a devout Muslim, a Hajji, a visionary, a founder of many organizations. He participated as a board member of many local and national organizations and received over a dozen awards and plaques to recognize his life's accomplishments. Above…

First art show entirely by North Texas Muslims is Saturday in Addison

"The Divine Beauty" will feature a range of work from local artists, from painting and ceramics to comedy performances and singing. It's called "The Divine Beauty," and it's like no other show. It's the first exhibition devoted to contemporary art by North Texas Muslims. You can see it Saturday at Venue Forty50 in Addison. When asked if the timing of the exhibition was deliberate — opposite the Dallas Museum of Art's current eye-dazzler, "Cartier and Islamic Art: In Search of Modernity," Faizan Syed laughed. Syed is the executive director of the Council of American Islamic Relations for Texas, which is…

MEDIA ADVISORY: CAIR-DFW to Host Dallas Muslim Art Exhibition Designed to Challenge Stereotypes, Spotlight Artists

MEDIA ADVISORY CAIR-DFW to Host Dallas Muslim Art Exhibition Designed to Challenge Stereotypes, Spotlight Artists (DALLAS, TX, 8/15/2022) – On Saturday, August 20, dozens of Dallas area Muslim artists and performers will gather to showcase their work, tell their stories and break stereotypes during "The Divine Beauty: Dallas Muslim Art Exhibition" hosted by the Dallas Fort-Worth chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-DFW). The program is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. WHAT: The Divine Beauty: Dallas Muslim Art Exhibition WHEN: Saturday, August 20th, 2022, at 3 P.M. – 9 P.M. WHERE: VenueForty|50, 4050 Belt Line Rd, Addison, TX…

Tell President Biden to Pressure the UAE to Release Asim Ghafoor, Former Lawyer of Jamal…

We’re Hiring Administrative and Communications Coordinator

The Austin & Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter of The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-TX) is looking for a passionate and talented individual to fill the full-time Administrative and Communications Coordinator position for their Dallas office. Join the CAIR-TX Chapter of the most considerable civil liberties and advocacy organization for Muslims in America. Additionally, we work hard to empower the North Texas Muslim community through civic and social engagement, empowering young Muslims, and strengthening the image of Islam in the media. This position is to be filled immediately. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: General administrative duties for the CAIR-TX office. Answer phones, respond to emails, and…

We're Hiring: Youth Development Coordinator - CAIR-TX

Title: Youth Development Coordinator Reports to: Executive Director Schedule Type: Part-time, Non-exempt Location: Office located in Dallas Fort-Worth, TX. Requires some travel throughout Texas. Hiring Timeline: Immediately The Council on American-Islamic Relations, Texas Austin & DFW (CAIR-TX) is looking for a passionate and talented individual to fill the Youth Development Coordinator position at its Dallas Fort-Worth office. Join one of the most dynamic teams defending civil rights on behalf of the American Muslim community, promoting civic engagement, and building coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. The ideal candidate will play a central role in overseeing, mentoring, and managing the Young Muslim…

Game Changers Camp: Essentials of Project Management & Strategic Planning

Building Game Changers: We believe in order to best train and inspire the next generation of American Muslim leaders who will be true Game Changers requires building skills in Project Management and Strategic Planning. Alhamdulilah, CAIR-Texas Austin & DFW (CAIR-TX) is proud to launch the "Game Changers Camp: Essentials of Project Management & Strategic Planning." These skills are essential to managing teams, projects, business, or nonprofit organizations. Within the Muslim community, these skills are desperately needed to successfully run the various Islamic Centers, Educational Institutions, and various nonprofits that all work to establish the deen of Allah. It's not enough to…

Securing our Islamic Institutions - Security Training

Security Training Offered in Wake of Uvalde Shooting - CAIR-TX

Dear Community Members,With a heavy heart, I share the news of another devastating mass shooting in our nation that struck close to home. Earlier today, I, like many of you, was picking up my three children from their elementary school and getting them excited about summer vacation. SubhanAllah, around the same time, 19 innocent people, 18 children, and one teacher were mercilessly gunned down at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, near San Antonio.SEE: 18 Children and 1 Teacher Killed in texas Elementary School ShootingAs a father, I imagine myself in the shoes of countless parents, siblings, family members, and…

Communications Internships - Journalism, Social Media, Video/Photo, & Graphic Design

INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION Our Communications Department is the face and voice of the CAIR-Texas Austin & DFW (CAIR-TX) chapter, connecting the work done in the office to the greater local, national, and international community. This department holds press conferences; issues press releases and newsletters to thousands of media outlets and local leaders; maintains CAIR-TX’s website; updates, grows, and organizes initiatives across social media accounts including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat; creates official documentaries and publications; contributes journalistic articles regularly; and produces video content for cases and news stories. Interns work closely with the Executive Director and Outreach & Development Coordinator in creating content…

American Muslim Organizations Unite to Reject ADL’s ‘Slander’ and Support Palestinian Human Rights

Diverse collection of groups respond after ADL director equates Palestinian human rights advocates with white supremacists (WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/16/2022) – Dozens of major American Muslim organizations united today to issue an unprecedented joint statement expressing their unified support for Palestinian human rights and their unified rejection of Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Director Jonathan Greenblatt’s recent “slander” against prominent Muslim, Jewish, Arab, and Palestinian human rights activists. On Sunday, May 1, Greenblatt sparked widespread backlash by falsely equating Palestinian human rights activists with white supremacists and J6 insurrectionists. Greenblatt also claimed that the ADL now considers any criticism of Zionism to be anti-Semitism. SEE: Religion News Service: ADL chief’s attack on left-leaning…

MEDIA ADVISORY: CAIR-DFW to Join Coalition Protest Against Murder of Journalist During 74th Anniversary of…

MEDIA ADVISORY: CAIR-DFW to Join Coalition Protest Against Murder of Journalist During 74th Anniversary of the Nakba (Catastrophe) in Downtown Dallas (Dallas, TX, 5/13/2022) – On May 15, the Dallas Fort-Worth chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-DFW) will join a large coalition of human rights organizations for a protest in downtown Dallas to call on the Biden administration to hold the State of Israel accountable for the murder of U.S. citizen and journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. The protest will include speeches from coalition leaders, chants, and a march. Participants are encouraged to bring Palestinian flags, dress in Palestinian…

Texas Muslim Community Celebrates 1st Ever "Eid Celebration & Jummah" at the Capitol

See Friday's Eid celebration at the Texas State Capitol

The Austin American Statesman Read Full Article & See All the Photos: Click Here...

CAIR-Austin, Muslim Community to Hold First-Ever Eid Celebration, Jummah Prayer at Texas Capitol

(AUSTIN, TX, 5/3/2022) – On Friday, May 6, the Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin) will hold the first-ever “Eid Celebration at the Capitol.” The event will also include a historic first Jummah (Friday Muslim congregational prayer) at the State Capitol. The program’s goal is to invite people of all faiths and backgrounds to celebrate with their Muslim neighbors, learn about Ramadan and Eid, enjoy delicious free food, and have fun. WHAT: Eid Celebration & Jummah at the Capitol WHEN: Friday, May 6th at 11 – 2 PM, Jummah Prayer will begin at 1:30 PM. WHERE: Texas Capitol Southwest Lawn, 1100…

A New DFW Tradition! -North Texas Iftar with City Officials

CAIR-Austin Condemns Reported Anti-Muslim Hate Crime Assault at Texas State U.

(AUSTIN, TX, 4/11/2022) – The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin) today condemned a reported hate crime and assault targeting a Muslim student on the campus of Texas State University in San Marcos. The victim reported that on March 31, she was approached by an unknown man while she was jogging. The man allegedly attempted to forcibly remove the victim’s hijab, or headscarf. The man also reportedly made derogatory statements about the victim’s perceived national origin and religion. Campus police describe the suspected perpetrator as a white male in his early to mid 20’s with medium brown hair…

Texas State investigating reported anti-Muslim hate crime on campus

A Muslim student was the target of a reported hate crime and assault on the Texas State University campus in late March. The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations spoke out against the person who committed the alleged incident on Monday, April 11, according to a CAIR-Austin news release. "This disturbing incident demonstrates the danger anti-Muslim bigotry poses to American Muslims," said CAIR-Austin Executive Director Faizan Syed in the release. "We condemn this alleged hate crime and urge law enforcement to be swift and thorough in their investigation." Syed added the CAIR and American Muslim community stands in…

Farewell Letter from Sabeeh Anjum, Youth Coordinator

Bismillah. It has been an honor serving the Austin & DFW communities for the past 18 months as Youth Coordinator. I feel sad writing this letter, as I am leaving CAIR-TX to pursue my career in Accounting/Finance. I will be receiving my master’s degree in the summer, In Shaa Allah. I learned so much and met so many beautiful people while working with CAIR-TX. I would like to also express my gratitude to my mentor and Executive Director of CAIR-TX, Br. Faizan Syed. When I look back at my knowledge of leadership, community interaction, and communication skills, I see a much more refined version of…

A Grand Jury Recommended Murder Charges Against The Man Who Shot Adil Dghoughi In Texas

A grand jury in Texas on Wednesday recommended first-degree murder charges be filed against Terry Turner, a 65-year-old man who admitted to shooting and killing Moroccan immigrant Adil Dghoughi as he sat inside a car, prosecutors said. The Caldwell County district attorney's office notified Dghoughi's family of the decision Wednesday afternoon, shortly after the case was presented to the grand jury, an attorney representing the family confirmed to BuzzFeed News. "I can visit my brother's grave to tell him that we are one step closer to getting justice," Othmane Dghoughi, Adil's brother, said in a statement. "Terry Turner took my…

Launch of 2022 TX Muslim Student Bullying Survey - CAIR-TX Austin & DFW

Alhamdulilah, CAIR-TX Austin & DFW is proud to launch our 2022 Muslim Student Bullying Survey. This program will survey Middle and High School students attending public schools in the Austin & Dallas Fort-Worth area to measure the impact of bullying and produce a report. This report will give students, parents, teachers, and school administrators the information they need to address the adverse impacts of bullying in public schools. Website: https://www.cairtx.org/bullying In 2020, CAIR-DFW produced its first-ever bullying report titled, "Singled Out: Islamophobia in the Classroom and the Impact of Discrimination on Muslims." This report surveyed 321 Muslim Students ages 11 and 18 in the Dallas…

BREAKING NEWS: CAIR Welcomes Federal Judge’s Ruling That Texas Anti-BDS Law Violates Client’s Free Speech…

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 1/28/22) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today welcomed this evening’s victory in CAIR’s First Amendment lawsuit on behalf of an engineering firm, owned by Rasmy Hassouna, that refused to sign an anti-BDS loyalty oath to Israel as part of the company’s contract with the City of Houston. In his ruling granting an injunction that blocks Texas from enforcing the anti-boycott law against Hassouna, United States District Judge Andrew S. Hanen wrote in part: “The speech contemplated by may make some individuals—especially those who identify with Israel—uncomfortable, anxious, or even angry. Nevertheless,…

Video: CAIR Announces Lawsuit Against Houston, Texas AG Over Refusal to Sign Anti-BDS Contract Pledge

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/1/2021) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), today announced the filing of a lawsuit against the city of Houston and the Texas attorney general on behalf of a business that was unable to renew its contract with the city because it contains an anti- Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) clause. WATCH THE NEWS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING THE SUIT: CAIR filled the suit on behalf of A & R Engineering and Testing, Inc., an engineering firm, the owner of which is of Palestinian heritage, that was asked by Houston to sign the anti-BDS clause in its contract. The owner of the company…

Buzz Feed: A Man Was Fatally Shot While Sitting In A Car, His Family Said.…

Adil Dghoughi was sitting in his girlfriend’s car in the small town of Martindale, Texas, when a resident walked out of his home with a handgun, confronted him, and then shot and killed the 31-year-old. The bullet, Adil’s brother Othmane Dghoughi told BuzzFeed News, pierced the driver’s-side window, cut through his left hand, struck his head, and shattered the passenger’s-side window of the gray Audi. “The murder seems quite suspicious, and it seems that it’s another example of ‘stand your ground’ laws being used to kill another person of color,” Faizan Syed, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations…

White Texas Property Owner Avoids Arrest After Killing Moroccan Driver

But according to the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, by 3:42 a.m. Dghoughi was being transferred to a hospital after he’d been shot by a white property owner named Terry Turner in Martindale, less than five miles away from Maxwell. The Sheriff’s Office said the shooting occurred after Turner confronted a “suspicious” car parked outside his home. They also said Turner, 65, was “cooperative” and had not been arrested, despite Dghoughi later dying of his injuries. Meanwhile, it’s not just loved ones who are irate at the incident and the initial failure to carry out an arrest. Faizan Syed, executive…

CAIR-Austin Calls for Independent Probe Into Killing of Unarmed Moroccan Man in Rural Texas

CAIR-Austin Calls for Independent Probe Into Killing of Unarmed Moroccan Man in Rural Texas (AUSTIN, TX, 10/18/2021) -- The Austin chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for a complete and independent investigation of an unarmed Moroccan man killed in Martindale, Texas. Adil Dghoughi was a Moroccan national who obtained a Master’s degree in financial analysis from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island after immigrating to the U.S. in 2013. The killing occurred at 3:30 A.M. on Monday, Oct. 11 in…

‘Being A Muslim Is Like Being Black Twice’: North Texan Faces Hate Towards His Race,…

When 9/11 happened, Carroll was at an airport waiting to catch a flight. He watched the television as smoke billowed from the Twin Towers, then a ball of flames erupted. Soon, there was talk of a bomb. He watched the screen, silently hoping that the attackers wouldn’t be Black or Muslim. “I tell people, being a Muslim is like being Black twice,” Carroll said. “Because you always say, ‘Oh my god, I hope he ain't Black.’ Now I say I hope he wasn't Black. And if he was, I hope he wasn’t Muslim.” When the attackers were identified as Muslim,…

Austin mosque finds pigs head mask and hateful message left outside on anniversary of 9/11

The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin) is calling for an investigation after a bloody pig's head mask and a hateful message were left outside a mosque in Austin on the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. According to a CAIR Facebook post, worshippers found the sign outside an Islamic Center and school about 1 a.m. Saturday. The message reads: "Muslims: you are as unclean to God as a pig is to you. Have your idolatry washed clean by the blood of Jesus Christ." “We call on local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate…

Pig mask, hate sign found outside Islamic center on anniversary of 9/11

CAIR-Austin Saturday called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate the mask and sign as a hate crime. The group says the use of pigs or pork is often used to intentionally offend Muslims because of the Islamic prohibition on consuming pork products. "We call on local, state, and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate this heinous act of intimidation as a hate crime," said CAIR-Austin Executive Director Faizan Syed. "Early today, the Austin Muslim community held a free COVID-19 vaccination drive and hosted a soup kitchen to mark the tragic 20th anniversary of September 11. While our community…

BREAKING: CAIR-Austin Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Pig’s Head Mask, Anti-Muslim Sign Found Islamic…

(AUSTIN, TX, 9/11/2021) – The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate as a hate crime a bloody pig’s head mask and an anti-Muslim sign placed in front of an Islamic Center and school on the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. PHOTO OF PIG’S HEAD MASK AND HATE MESSAGE: Officials at the Islamic Center of Greater Austin and Austin Peace Academy took a photo of a bloodied pig’s head mask that was staked into the front lawn…

For Muslims across North Texas, 9/11 set off a wave of Islamophobia that has endured…

Faizan Syed, executive director of the D-FW chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said the advocacy organization saw a sharp rise in Islamophobia immediately after 9/11. But anti-Muslim sentiments receded to pre-9/11 levels about a year after the attacks, he said. Then, around 2007 and 2008, “we started seeing a dramatic increase in Islamophobia that has lasted to this day,” Syed said. “The reason is that Islamophobia became politicized.” Conspiracy theories about the birthplace and religion of former President Barack Obama contributed to a second post-9/11 surge of anti-Muslim sentiment, Syed said. The second wave of Islamophobia led to…

For Muslims across northern Texas, 9/11 set off a wave of Islamophobia that has endured…

Dr Aafia assaulted, secluded in US prison

It said “Only July 30, 2021, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui was reportedly attacked in her cell by another inmate. The inmate smashed a coffee mug filled with scalding hot liquid into Dr. Siddiqui’s face. After the attack, Dr. Siddiqui was unable to get up and was taken out of her cell in a wheelchair. Since the attack, Dr. Siddiqui was forced into solitary confinement which she remains in until today. Her lawyer, Marwa Elbially, has been meeting in person with Dr. Siddiqui since January 2021 after several years of silence from her and the US authorities, in which the public and…

Video: Dallas Round Up! Attack on Dr Afia Siddiqui! CAIR Dir. Syed Faizan shares Updates…

VOKTV-Voice of Kashmir TV Details Discussions on Dr. Afia Siddiqui Attacked! CAIR DFW! Syed Faizan Speaks! Dr afia was hit by her inmate. Dr Afia Attorney access.

CAIR-DFW Calls on FMC to Ensure the Safety of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui After Brutal Inmate…

CAIR-DFW Calls on FMC to Ensure the Safety of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui After Brutal Inmate Attack and Release Her from Solitary Confinement (DALLAS, TX, 8/18/2021) – The Dallas-Fort-Worth chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-DFW), a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Carswell, a United States federal prison in Fort-Worth, to ensure the safety of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui after another inmate allegedly brutally attacked her and to release her from solitary confinement. CAIR-DFW is also calling on the prison to ensure Dr. Siddiqui’s attorney can…

How We're Helping the People of Afghanistan - CAIR-TX Austin & DFW

Dear Community Members, Like many of you, I've been watching the unfolding events in Afghanistan as the Taliban has taken control of the country. I know all of us have various political views and opinions on what's going on. However, all of us agree that the greatest victim of the U.S. failed strategy is the people of Afghanistan, who continue to suffer. Over the past week, our office has received calls from desperate Afghans who were interpreters or assisted in building a better Afghanistan. They are trying to get themselves and their families out of the country. One of our clients told me of the tragic murder of his brother and…

The "Boring" Campaign on Palestine

Texas Activists are Working to ‘Free Palestine’ But Obstacles Abound

Texas organizers have drawn thousands of people to pro-Palestine rallies, but convincing state officials to support the cause won’t be easy. The bombing in May razed apartment complexes, homes, bookstores, roads leading to hospitals and several media organizations, including the Associated Press and Al Jazeera. Across Texas, Palestinian organizers and people from all walks of life have responded to calls for solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, Jerusalem and the West Bank, another occupied territory. In Dallas, crowds numbered in the thousands at two protests in May. In Houston, organizers held three rallies, including a protest in front of the…

CAIR-DFW to Hold Press Conference Announcing a Complaint Against Southwest Airlines for Religious Discrimination by…

(DALLAS, TX, 5/31/2021) – On Tuesday, June 1, the Dallas-Fort-Worth chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-DFW), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, will hold a press conference outlining a complaint filed against Southwest Airlines for alleged religious discrimination targeting a Palestinian-American Muslim woman. WHAT: Southwest Airlines Religious Discrimination Press Conference WHEN: Tuesday, June 1 at 3 P.M. WHERE: Elbially Law Office, PLLC, 704 East 15th Street, 2nd floor, Plano, Texas 75074 The complaint states that a Southwest Airlines flight attendant denied a Muslim woman who was born and raised in America the right to sit an…

US organizations to hold march in Washington DC protesting of Israel’s settler-colonialism

RAMALLAH, Friday, May 28, 2021 (WAFA) – US organizations are scheduled on Saturday to hold a march in Washington DC in protest of Israel’s settler-colonialism, apartheid and military occupation. The pro-human rights grassroots organizations have issued online calls for mobilization for the National March for Palestine, which will be the largest protest in U.S. history supporting the Palestinian cause and is organized by dozens of Palestinian, interfaith, and various civil rights organizations and will take place at the Lincoln Memorial. Meanwhile, Faizan Syed, Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations called the US to end its support of Israel…

CAIR Issues New Report Detailing 6000+ American Muslim Civil Rights Complaints

‘Resilience in the Face of Hate’ shows 9% increase in complaints since 2018, decrease in hate crimes due to COVID-19 pandemic lockdown (WASHINGTON, D.C, 4/26/2021) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today released its latest report on the civil rights of American Muslims, titled “Resilience in the Face of Hate,” detailing more than 6,000 civil rights complaints the Washington, D.C., based group received in the past year, with the largest number of complaints involving immigration and travel-related issues and employment discrimination accounting for the majority of discrimination complaints. CAIR’s new report also…