CAIR - Philadelphia Chapter

CAIR - Philadelphia Chapter CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR works to promote a positive image of Islam and Muslims in America.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations Philadelphia Chapter (CAIR-Philadelphia) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots civil rights and advocacy group, part of America’s largest Islamic civil liberties group, with 30+ regional offices nationwide and headquarters in Washington D.C. In 2004, thirteen Muslims from the Greater Philadelphia area came together with the idea of bringing the benefits of C

AIR’s work to the local community. Through media relations, lobbying, education and advocacy, CAIR puts forth an Islamic perspective to ensure the Muslim voice is represented. In offering this perspective, CAIR seeks to empower the American Muslim community and encourage their participation in political and social activism. CAIR-Philadelphia employs full time staff to coordinate and accomplish our mission. Current Staff: Jacob Bender, Executive Director; Timothy Welbeck, Esq., Civil Rights Attorney; Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu, PhD, Outreach and Education Director; Leena Jaffer, Operations Manager. Learn more at our website: pa.cair.com

Eid Mubarak from our CAIR-Philadelphia family. Eid-ul-Adha marks the culmination of the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj, when ...
05/27/2026

Eid Mubarak from our CAIR-Philadelphia family. Eid-ul-Adha marks the culmination of the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj, when millions gather in Mecca in a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. People of every race, nationality, and background stand side by side in worship, demonstrating that true honor is found not in wealth, status, or titles, but in our character, compassion, and commitment to what is right.

That spirit of unity and shared responsibility is at the heart of our work at CAIR-Philadelphia.

At a time when our communities continue to face challenges, your support helps us defend civil rights, combat bigotry and discrimination, strengthen relationships across communities, and advocate for a more just and compassionate society.

Whether you are celebrating Eid or simply standing alongside those who are, please know how deeply grateful we are for your partnership, trust, and solidarity.

On this blessed Jummah of Dhul Hijjah, your sadaqah sustains us. Did you know that 60% of our annual budget comes from d...
05/22/2026

On this blessed Jummah of Dhul Hijjah, your sadaqah sustains us. Did you know that 60% of our annual budget comes from donations made by our community members — and every service we provide remains 100% free.

Your support allows us to continue showing up for our neighbors during community events and hosting know your rights workshops. Visit pa.cair.com/dh2026 to show your support!

For decades, CAIR-Philadelphia has worked alongside masjids across Pennsylvania to help keep our communities safe, resil...
05/20/2026

For decades, CAIR-Philadelphia has worked alongside masjids across Pennsylvania to help keep our communities safe, resilient, and prepared.

From securing more than $500,000 in grants for security upgrades to guiding mosques through grant applications, emergency planning, and coordination with local law enforcement, our work is rooted in a simple principle: our houses of worship deserve to be protected.

In times of rising hate and uncertainty, silence is not enough. We must organize, advocate, and invest in the long-term safety of our communities.

So far, CAIR-Philadelphia has:
🕌 Supported 12 masjids in applying for security grants
💰 Secured over $500K for safety improvements
🤝 Advised communities on security and law enforcement protocols
🚔 Coordinated precautionary patrols with local authorities

This work is only possible because of supporters like you.

🗳️ Polls close at 8pm today! If you haven’t voted yet, this is your midday nudge. There’s still time left for you to do ...
05/19/2026

🗳️ Polls close at 8pm today!

If you haven’t voted yet, this is your midday nudge. There’s still time left for you to do your civic duty.

This is a closed primary, meaning only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote in the partisan races today, but every Pennsylvania voter can weigh in on the ballot questions and any local races on your ballot.

What’s on your ballot in 2026: a U.S. Senate seat, all 17 of Pennsylvania’s congressional seats, every seat in the PA House and half the State Senate, plus the local races that hit closest to home — judges, DAs, school boards, city council, row offices.

Primaries are where some of these races get decided.

CAIR-Pennsylvania Demands Politicians End ‘Campaign of Hate’ Against American Muslims After Deadly San Diego Mosque Shoo...
05/19/2026

CAIR-Pennsylvania Demands Politicians End ‘Campaign of Hate’ Against American Muslims After Deadly San Diego Mosque Shooting

In a statement, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu said:

“Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and the entire San Diego Muslim community mourning this horrific act of violence. No American should fear being targeted while praying in their house of worship or sending their children to an Islamic school. This tragedy did not emerge in a vacuum. For months, we have witnessed public officials, including elected Pennsylvania representatives, media personalities, and online extremists normalize anti-Muslim rhetoric and portray American Muslims as threats rather than neighbors and fellow citizens. Words have consequences, and our leaders must reject hatred before more innocent lives are lost.”

(PHILADELPHIA, PA – 5/19/2026) — The Philadelphia and Pittsburgh chapters of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, together making CAIR-Pennsylvania (CAIR-PA) tonight demanded that politicians end their “campaign of hate” targeting American Muslims after today’s deadly shooting attack...

05/19/2026

Three men, a security guard and two staff members of an Islamic school, were murdered outside the Islamic Center of San Diego this afternoon. It came in the opening days of Dhul Hijjah, among the holiest days of our year, days meant for pilgrimage and prayer. It came at a moment when Muslim Americans are watching our faith debated, mischaracterized, and treated as suspect in the halls of our own government.

No one — in any mosque, any church, any synagogue, any temple, any school — should ever fear that prayer or learning could end like this.

To support the victims’ families, visit LaunchGood.com/Amin

In these blessed days of Dhul Hijjah, your sadaqah sustains us. We genuinely can’t do it without you. Sixty percent of o...
05/18/2026

In these blessed days of Dhul Hijjah, your sadaqah sustains us. We genuinely can’t do it without you. Sixty percent of our annual budget comes from donations made by our community members, and every service we provide always remains free.

Donate to CAIR Philadelphia at pa.cair.com/dh2026 and help us continue protecting civil rights, supporting immigrants, and serving Muslim communities across Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Jumu’ah Mubarak 🌙Today our community gathers for Friday prayers. 4 days from now, we gather again, but this time at the ...
05/15/2026

Jumu’ah Mubarak 🌙

Today our community gathers for Friday prayers. 4 days from now, we gather again, but this time at the ballot box. Our tradition teaches that we are responsible for the welfare of our neighbors and the justice of our communities. Voting is one way we exercise that responsibility in this country.

If you applied for a mail ballot, please make sure you know where it is!

🔗 pa.cair.com/primary2026

Mark your calendars — this weekend is packed with opportunities to gather, advocate, and celebrate with our community ac...
05/14/2026

Mark your calendars — this weekend is packed with opportunities to gather, advocate, and celebrate with our community across Pennsylvania.

Friday, May 15
Philly Muslim Connect: Day One | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Philadelphia City Hall

Join us for a vibrant kickoff to Philly Muslim Connect Weekend, a two-day Muslim-led gathering hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Muslim Engagement. Bring your prayer rug for Citywide Jumu’ah Prayer from 1:30 – 2:15 PM, then explore over 30 City and community resource tables. Free and open to all.

Public Call Out: Senator Fetterman, Divest from War and Invest in PA! 10:00 AM | Sen. Fetterman’s Office, 200 Chestnut Street

Join community members in calling on Senator Fetterman to divest from war in Iran, Lebanon, and Palestine — and to invest in our communities across Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. Bring your voice, your signs, and your neighbors.

Saturday, May 16
Philly Muslim Connect: Muslim Marketplace & Small Business Showcase | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Philadelphia City Hall

Day two brings together over 50 Muslim-owned vendors, businesses, organizations, and resource tables at City Hall. Come shop, eat, connect, and celebrate the vibrant contributions of Philadelphia’s Muslim community. Hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Muslim Engagement.

Eid Festival at Zubaida Foundation 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM | 855 Big Oak Rd, Yardley, PA

Celebrate Eid al-Adha with the whole family! Enjoy outdoor games, crafts, delicious food, bounce houses, and a festive atmosphere for all ages. Hosted by the Zubaida Foundation. (Raindate: May 17) 📧

Central PA Muslim Students Listening Session at 11:30 AM | Masjid Al-Sabereen, Harrisburg

Calling all middle school, high school, and college students in Central PA! Join Ayesha Ben Slimane and Dr. Ahmet Tekelioglu to share your experiences, challenges, and ideas to help shape advocacy efforts. Parents are welcome, and food will be provided.
RSVP: pa.cair.com/listening 📞 Contact: Fareba Amani — 717-608-8716 | [email protected]

Address

1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA
19102

Telephone

+12675156710

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