(COLUMBUS, 4/16/2017) – The Columbus office of Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Columbus) today thanked those who contributed to the success of its 20th Annual Banquet and Fundraiser on Saturday, April 15.  Click here to view a photo album of the event.

The speakers for the event were Mr. Khizr Khan, Esq., Constitutional Rights Advocate and Gold Star Father, Imam Johari Abdul Malik, Outreach Director at Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center, and Comedian Amer Zahr.

The event drew one of the largest interfaith crowds CAIR-Columbus has ever had, with more than 70 attendees of other faiths present despite it being Easter weekend.

“We were deeply moved by the attendance of so many of our interfaith friends who came out to show their support on an important religious holiday weekend for many.  This banquet was one of our most successful yet and offered us an opportunity to celebrate our legal work, to share our successes, and to prepare for the challenges ahead,” said CAIR-Columbus Executive Director Jennifer Nimer. “Our guest speakers spoke to the current concerns of the Muslim community and inspired the audience to continue working hard to help restore civil discourse and unity in our nation.”

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. There are three CAIR chapters in Ohio- Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland.