More than 1,600 community members, religious leaders, elected officials, dignitaries, and supporters gathered at the Anaheim Marriott on Saturday, Oct. 18, for the Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA)’s 29th Annual Gala, themed “Speaking Truth in the Face of Injustice.”
SEE: Gala Event Photos
This year’s gala provided an opportunity for CAIR-LA staff, volunteers, and community members to celebrate another year of serving the American Muslim community and uniting in a shared mission to champion truth, defy injustice, and fight back against tyranny.
The event featured nationally renowned speakers and local leaders, including Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, California Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, and CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell.
CAIR-LA also honored Palestinian-owned film production and distribution company Watermelon Pictures and CAIR National Executive Director and Co-Founder Nihad Awad for their significant achievements and commitment to justice. Watermelon Pictures was presented with the Champion of Justice Award, and Awad was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“We are deeply grateful to all the community members, leaders, elected officials, and dedicated supporters who made CAIR-LA’s 29th Annual Gala a resounding success. Each year, our gala serves as an occasion to celebrate our collective achievements—but this year, it also stood as a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of the American Muslim community in the face of rampant injustice. After 29 years, we remain firm in our commitment to fighting for truth and for the rights, safety, and freedom of all people.”
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 Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR-LA Senior Communications Coordinator Madi Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com