Ramadan Mubarak! We hope that your fasts are accepted and that you receive manifold rewards for your charitable contributions.
During this month of giving, CAIR-NY is asking you to further empower the NY Muslim community by contributing to the development of our media presence and relevance.
Although coverage of Islam has increased in the past few years, many American Muslims believe their faith continues to be misunderstood. Michael Savage and the likes with their “bash for cash†mentality continue to demonize and marginalize Muslims.
CAIR proactively engages with the media to ensure that a fair and accurate portrayal of Islam and Muslims is presented to the American public. Across the U.S., representatives from 35 chapters provide positive representations of the Muslim community through media appearances, press conferences, opinion editorials and letters to the editor.
In NY, we have successfully provided an informed perspective on issues that impact our community and our country. During the presidential election, our civic engagement efforts were picked up by the New York Times, MSNBC and NY1. Pictures taken by the Associated Press of CAIR-NY’s roundtable discussion following President Barack Obama’s speech in Cairo were highlighted on Yahoo News, AMNY, and other outlets. Our media efforts that day resulted in New Yorkers hearing from lawyers, activists, imams and students from the Muslim community on the news ranging from WNYC to WABC.
We worked closely with the Associated Press to place a story favorable towards incorporating the two Eids in NYC public schools which was later picked up by over 35 media outlets including the Washington Post and USA TODAY. The article pitched by CAIR-NY was “a huge get†according to a prominent media professional from the community.
However, our efforts thus far are just a drop in the bucket, especially since our city is known as one of the media capitals of the world. Indeed, your kind contributions and prayers are paramount in helping us create a communications department that will provide a consistent and informed voice in the media.
Please donate generously. We are committed to putting the right people in front of the camera.
Sincerely,
CAIR-NY Board and Staff