CAIR’s 32 annual gala and national policy conference are themed “We the People: Saving Our Democracy, Building Our Future”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced Dr. Adam Hamawy of New Jersey and Darializa Ávila Chevalier of New York City as the keynote speakers at CAIR’s 32nd Annual Gala, which is scheduled to occur on the evening of Saturday, September 12, in Washington, D.C.
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW: https://bit.ly/caircon2026
CAIR’s 32nd annual gala occurs as part of CAIRCON 2026, a weekend of impact taking place September 12-13 under the theme, “We the People: Saving Our Democracy, Building Our Future.” In addition to CAIR’s gala, the weekend features a National Leadership and Policy Conference.
The policy conference brings together American Muslim leaders, allies, and policy experts from various fields for two days of keynote addresses, policy discussions, strategy sessions, leadership development, advocacy training, and networking focused on defending constitutional rights and strengthening civic engagement.
In a statement, CAIR said:
“CAIRCON 2026 comes at a defining moment for our nation and our community. American democracy faces profound challenges, and the American Muslim community has an essential role to play in defending the constitutional principles of equality, justice, religious liberty, and free expression. We are honored to welcome Dr. Adam Hamawy and Darializa Avila Chevalier—two courageous leaders whose lives exemplify service, sacrifice, and moral conviction—to inspire attendees at this year’s gala.”
Dr. Adam Hamawy is a renowned reconstructive surgeon, U.S. military veteran, and humanitarian activist whose extraordinary career includes treating wounded American service members, helping save the life of then-Army Captain (now U.S. Senator) Tammy Duckworth, and risking his own life to provide desperately needed medical care to Palestinians in Gaza amid Israel’s genocide.
Darializa Ávila Chevalier is an accomplished New York City organizer and activist who became a national voice for student advocacy after risking her education and future career to participate in the Gaza Solidarity Encampment at Columbia University. She has since entered public service and continues to advocate for civil liberties, and democratic engagement, and justice for all.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]