CAIR on AIR - Beyond the Courtroom and Behind the Headlines

Edward Ahmed Mitchell

For years, America's largest Muslim civil rights organization has fought for justice in the courts of law and the halls of power. But the fight doesn't stop there. The court of public opinion matters just much. CAIR on Air is a brand-new weekly podcast that gives the American public an inside look at the pursuits and struggles of the American Muslim community, behind the headlines and beyond the courtroom. Hosted by civil rights attorney and CAIR Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell and a rotating line-up of co-hosts, CAIR on Air is a space for direct, unfiltered conversation with supporters, partners, and anyone in the broader American public curious about key issues impacting the Muslim community and the nation. From free speech and religious liberty to anti-Muslim hate and U.S. foreign policy, no topic is off the table. Guests include attorneys, anti-war activists, elected officials, journalists, and everyday Americans of all faiths committed to justice. Join us every week to go beyond the courtroom and behind the headlines.

  1. An Israeli General's Son Reveals What Zionism Really Looks Like w/ Miko Peled

    2d ago ·  Video

    An Israeli General's Son Reveals What Zionism Really Looks Like w/ Miko Peled

    Miko Peled is an Israeli-American activist, author, speaker, and founder of Palestine House of Freedom in Washington, D.C. Born into one of Israel's most prominent military and political families, Miko grew up immersed in Zionist ideology before embarking on a journey that completely transformed his understanding of Israel, Palestine, and justice. In today's episode, Miko joins me to share what it was like growing up as the son of an Israeli general and the experiences that challenged everything he had been taught about the conflict. We discuss the realities of segregation, occupation, and apartheid in Palestine, the personal tragedy that became a turning point in Miko's life, and why he believes genuine peace requires Israelis and Palestinians to live with equal rights under a single democratic state. Miko explains why he believes the two-state solution is no longer viable, how Israeli politics have evolved over the years, and what the future may hold for the region as public opinion continues to shift in the United States and around the world. Our conversation explores the growing tensions between Israel and the United States, the conflict with Iran, the future of Gaza and the West Bank, threats facing holy sites such as Al-Aqsa Mosque, and why Miko believes the current political system is becoming increasingly unsustainable. Join us today as we discuss Miko's transformation from a Zionist insider to a Palestinian advocate, the realities of life under occupation, the future of Palestinian liberation, the changing political landscape in Washington, and what a just and lasting peace could look like for everyone living between the river and the sea.

    41 min
  2. The Full Story of the San Diego Mosque Shooting & What Happened Next

    Jun 18 ·  Video

    The Full Story of the San Diego Mosque Shooting & What Happened Next

    Imam Taha Hassane is the Imam of the Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in San Diego County and one of the most influential Muslim institutions in Southern California. Tazheen Nizam is the Executive Director of CAIR San Diego and a longtime advocate for civil rights, civic engagement, and community empowerment. In today’s episode, Imam Taha and Tazheen join me to discuss the tragic shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego and its impact on the community. They share the mosque’s history and its interfaith work. Imam Taha reveals the heartbreaking events of the attack, the grief felt throughout the community, and the challenges of rebuilding after such a devastating loss. Tazheen also talks about the level of support received from allies, faith leaders, and elected officials in the aftermath of the tragedy. She also addresses the growing concern over anti-Muslim hate, the importance of education and civic engagement, and the work required to restore a sense of safety and trust. Our conversation also covers the connection between hateful rhetoric and violence, the importance of interfaith solidarity, mosque security, community resilience, and the role public institutions must play in combating bigotry. Join us today as we discuss the San Diego mosque shooting, honoring the victims, confronting Islamophobia, strengthening community safety, building interfaith partnerships, promoting civic engagement, and finding hope and resilience in the face of tragedy.

    36 min
  3. The Full Story Of The Palestinian American Killed In The West Bank w/ Kamel Musallet

    Jun 3 ·  Video

    The Full Story Of The Palestinian American Killed In The West Bank w/ Kamel Musallet

    Kamel Musallet is a Palestinian American businessman, father, and advocate who has spoken out internationally following the killing of his 20 year old son, Saifullah Musallet. Since the tragedy, Kamel has become a powerful voice calling for accountability, justice, and greater awareness of the realities Palestinians are facing in the occupied territories. In today’s episode, Kamel joins me to share who his son really was before the headlines, what brought him back to Palestine, and the devastating chain of events that changed his family forever. Kamel explains the growing tensions in the West Bank, the escalating violence surrounding Palestinian villages, and the daily fears many families living there face. Our discussion also goes into the emotional toll of losing a child, what happened in the hours after his son was attacked, and why Kamel believes there has still been no real accountability despite the international attention surrounding the case. Kamel shares how his family changed after the tragedy, the restrictions they now face, and why people must understand what is happening beyond the headlines and political talking points. Join us today as we talk about Saifullah Musallet’s death, its local and international impact, the fight to stay connected to one’s homeland, and the deeper realities of life in the West Bank that many people never get to hear firsthand.

    31 min
  4. Why Muslims Are Losing Political Power In The UK w/ Dr. Muhammad Wajid Akhtar

    May 21 ·  Video

    Why Muslims Are Losing Political Power In The UK w/ Dr. Muhammad Wajid Akhtar

    Dr. Muhammad Wajid Akhtar is a doctor, community leader, and Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, the UK’s largest Muslim umbrella organization representing hundreds of mosques, charities, schools, and community organizations. He previously served as Vice President of the British Islamic Medical Association and has led initiatives focused on healthcare, civic engagement, and Muslim community empowerment across the UK. In today’s episode of CAIR On AIR, Dr. Akhtar joins me to discuss the major political shift happening in Britain and why so many Muslims are deeply concerned about the rise of right-wing politics, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and increasing social division. Dr. Akhtar breaks down the major factors fueling support for political movements targeting Muslims and immigrants. He explains why the right wing has become more effective at creating division and why progressive movements have struggled with focus. We dive into the political disengagement within Muslim communities and why many Muslims failed to participate in recent elections despite understanding what was at stake. Dr. Akhtar also explains the importance of building real political infrastructure, leadership, and community coordination. Our discussion also covers the dangers of fear, hopelessness, and community fragmentation. Dr. Akhtar shares why unity, organization, and political engagement are becoming more important than ever. Join us today as we discuss the rise of anti-Muslim politics, why many people are turning toward the far right, the failures of Muslim political organizations, lessons from history, the importance of leadership and unity, how communities can build long term power, and much more.

    33 min
  5. What Americans Are Finally Realizing About Gaza, U.S. Politics, and Endless War w/ Rashida Tlaib

    May 13 ·  Video

    What Americans Are Finally Realizing About Gaza, U.S. Politics, and Endless War w/ Rashida Tlaib

    Rashida Tlaib is a U.S. Congresswoman representing Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, the first Palestinian American woman elected to Congress, and a leading voice on civil rights, economic justice, anti war policy, and Palestinian human rights. In today’s episode, Rashida joins me to discuss the growing public outrage over the war in Gaza, the role grassroots movements play in forcing political change, and why more Americans across party lines are rejecting endless wars and genocide. We dive into why Congress only moves when ordinary people organize, apply pressure, and hold elected officials accountable. Rashida explains why Americans from different faiths, backgrounds, and political affiliations are speaking out against war, military spending, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We also talk about corporate greed, defense contractors, political corruption, and their effects on everyday citizens. Rashida also explains Medicare for All, living wages, workers rights, the influence of defense and weapons manufacturing companies in politics, and why so many Americans feel ignored by their government. Our discussion also covers civic engagement beyond voting, the importance of staying rooted in community, and the need for marginalized voices to step into leadership. Join us today as we discuss Gaza, anti war movements, political accountability, economic injustice, grassroots organizing, healthcare, corporate greed, representation in government, and much more.

    25 min
  6. Why More Americans Are Turning Against Israel & Supporting Palestine w/ Dr. Osama Abu Irshaid

    May 6 ·  Video

    Why More Americans Are Turning Against Israel & Supporting Palestine w/ Dr. Osama Abu Irshaid

    Dr. Osama Abu Irshaid is the Executive Director of American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) and Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action). He is a widely recognized Palestinian-American activist, political analyst, author, and public speaker who frequently lectures on Middle Eastern affairs, U.S. foreign policy, civil rights, and Palestine advocacy. In today’s episode of CAIR On AIR, Dr. Osama joins me to discuss the dramatic shifts in American public opinion on Palestine, and why more Americans than ever are questioning U.S. foreign policy toward Israel and Gaza. We dive into the role social media, grassroots activism, and intersectional movements have played in changing the national conversation around Palestine. Dr. Osama explains why organizations like American Muslims for Palestine, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Jewish Voice for Peace, and other advocacy groups have become major targets for political attacks and censorship efforts. We also talk about the growing concerns around free speech, constitutional rights, and what Dr. Osama sees as increasing government overreach against activists, students, nonprofits, and political dissenters in America. Our conversation also covers the influence of lobbying groups, the role of money in U.S. politics, and why many Americans feel disconnected from politicians who continue to support wars abroad while economic struggles increase at home. Join us today as we dive into Palestine advocacy in America, the fight for free speech, shifting public opinion on Israel and Gaza, political accountability, constitutional rights, and the growing movement pushing for justice both abroad and at home.

    37 min
  7. What Happens To Muslims In and After Prison? The System Is Broken & Here's The Fix w/ DeBorah Boneta

    Apr 29 ·  Video

    What Happens To Muslims In and After Prison? The System Is Broken & Here's The Fix w/ DeBorah Boneta

    DeBorah Boneta is the director, advocate, and chaplain for Oklahoma Prison Support, where she works directly with incarcerated individuals, their families, and those reentering society after prison. She is Oklahoma's first African American Certified Sign Language Interpreter and the pioneering Islamic Chaplain serving those housed in jail and prison spaces. In today’s episode of CAIR On AIR, DeBorah joins us to share how she built a prison ministry from the ground up, the unique challenges Muslims face in and after prison, and why incarceration is not just a legal issue but a human problem. We dive into the systemic gaps in Oklahoma’s incarceration system and the barriers individuals face when transitioning back into society. DeBorah also shares powerful success stories of formerly incarcerated individuals rebuilding their lives, along with the real impact of community support, from Ramadan initiatives to mentorship and advocacy. Our conversation explores how DeBorah built trust within prison systems, overcame misconceptions about Islam, and created opportunities for both Muslims and people of all faiths. DeBorah also shares advice for people wanting to start prison ministry and the impact of youth organizations like Muslim Student Associations and advocacy groups. Join us today as we dive into prison ministry, justice reform, faith based advocacy, supporting incarcerated Muslims, building community impact, empowering the next generation, and how you can make a difference no matter your background.

    28 min
  8. Detained For Speaking Out? Inside Salah Sarsour's Case w/ Munjed Ahmad & Kate Brady

    Apr 22 ·  Video

    Detained For Speaking Out? Inside Salah Sarsour's Case w/ Munjed Ahmad & Kate Brady

    Munjed Ahmad is a seasoned immigration attorney with over 25 years of experience representing individuals in complex deportation and civil rights cases. He is also serving as Salah Sarsour’s attorney. Kate Brady is the Immigration Litigation Department Head at the Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), where she leads federal court litigation focused on defending non-citizens’ rights. In today’s episode of CAIR On AIR, Munjed and Kate join me to discuss the case of Salah Sarsour, president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee (who was detained for refusing to remain silent on Palestinian issues), and the broader legal issues connected to it. We dive into Salah’s background, his leadership role in his community, and how his situation developed into a complex case that has drawn wider attention. Kate explains the arguments being used against Salah and how immigration law interacts with constitutional protections. She also shares the factors that make cases like Salah’s different from standard immigration proceedings and how complicated they become. Munjed also provides insight into how cases like this are handled behind the scenes, including the preparations involved, the legal strategies used, and the challenges attorneys face while navigating multiple layers of the legal system. Join us today to gain a clearer understanding of Salah Sarsour’s case, how legal battles work, and what every citizen, non-citizen, and immigrant needs to know about the state of free speech in the U.S.

    36 min
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About

For years, America's largest Muslim civil rights organization has fought for justice in the courts of law and the halls of power. But the fight doesn't stop there. The court of public opinion matters just much. CAIR on Air is a brand-new weekly podcast that gives the American public an inside look at the pursuits and struggles of the American Muslim community, behind the headlines and beyond the courtroom. Hosted by civil rights attorney and CAIR Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell and a rotating line-up of co-hosts, CAIR on Air is a space for direct, unfiltered conversation with supporters, partners, and anyone in the broader American public curious about key issues impacting the Muslim community and the nation. From free speech and religious liberty to anti-Muslim hate and U.S. foreign policy, no topic is off the table. Guests include attorneys, anti-war activists, elected officials, journalists, and everyday Americans of all faiths committed to justice. Join us every week to go beyond the courtroom and behind the headlines.

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