The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, brought together approximately 1,300 community members, elected officials, faith leaders, and civil rights advocates on Saturday, Oct. 17, for its sold-out 32nd Anniversary Gala in Santa Clara.
The event, themed “Upholding Liberty and Justice for All,” celebrated 32 years of CAIR-SFBA’s service to Bay Area Muslim communities and recognized leaders whose work has advanced religious freedom, Palestinian human rights, and equal treatment under the law.
The program featured keynote speaker Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, author, educator, and daughter of Malcolm X; Linda Sarsour, co-founder and executive director, MPower Change; Dr. Altaf Husain, vice president of Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research; and U.S. Rep. Aisha Wahab.
CAIR-SFBA presented awards to three honorees:
- Justice Award – U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna: Recognized for his advocacy for Palestinian human rights, including opposing U.S. military aid to Israel and speaking out against the genocide in Gaza.
- Liberty Award – California Assemblymember Matt Haney: Honored for authoring AB 2017, which established Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as California state holidays.
- Liberty & Justice Award – Palestinian Youth Movement: Recognized for its grassroots organizing for Palestinian liberation and its efforts to amplify Palestinian voices.
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo said:
“We chose ‘Upholding Liberty and Justice for All’ as this year’s theme because those principles are being tested every day, from the erosion of civil liberties here at home to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Liberty and justice cannot be selective. They must extend to everyone, especially those whose rights are most at risk.
“I am deeply grateful to everyone who joined us, and to our community partners and sponsors whose generosity and support make our work possible. Their continued trust allows us to serve and advocate for Bay Area Muslims when it matters most.”
The annual gala also raised support for CAIR-SFBA’s legal services, policy work, and youth leadership programs serving Bay Area Muslim communities.
CAIR-SFBA is an office of CAIR, America’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-SFBA Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, 408.498.5779, [email protected]