CAIR on AIR - Beyond the Courtroom and Behind the Headlines

Edward Ahmed Mitchell
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

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. Jul 29 ·  Video

    The Journey From Environmental Activist to Muslim Revert with Opening My Heart

    Hillary, known online as ‘Opening My Heart 24’, is an activist, writer, and social media influencer who reverted to Islam in 2024. She has since become a vocal advocate for Palestinian human rights and works to educate the American public about Islam while also sharing reflections on the metaphysics of the faith. In today's episode, Hillary joins me to discuss her journey from environmental activism to Islam. She shares her background and what moved her to pick up the Quran for the first time. We dive into what it meant for Hillary to take her time with her reversion, the online Shahada that welcomed her into the faith, and the gradual, heart-centered way she grew into the practice of Salah rather than treating it as a rigid checklist. Hillary also opens up about the reactions she has received, both from within the Muslim community and from her liberal friends, and how those conversations became opportunities to challenge misconceptions about Islam and Muslim women. We also talk about the power of social media in shaping public understanding of Gaza, her decision to leave TikTok after its acquisition, and why she believes teaching people the history of Palestine is the most effective way to open closed minds. Join us today as we dive into faith, activism, and the ongoing fight for Palestinian human rights, and hear Hillary's hopes for how American public opinion and policy may shift in the years ahead.

    The Journey From Environmental Activist to Muslim Revert with Opening My Heart

  2. Jul 22 ·  Video

    How Grassroots Power Beat AIPAC: Linda Sarsour on the New Wave of Progressive Wins

    Linda Sarsour is one of the most prominent grassroots organizers in America. She co-founded and helped lead the 2017 Women's March, one of the largest single-day protests in U.S. history. She is the Executive Director of Empower Change and the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir 'We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders'. In today's episode, Linda joins me to break down the wave of primary and general election upsets carried out by candidates who spoke out against the Gaza genocide and U.S. military aid to Israel, despite going up against powerful, well-funded opponents backed by groups like AIPAC. We dive deep into the stories behind these wins, from Zohran Mamdani's 100,000-volunteer campaign for NYC mayor, to a former Columbia encampment organizer who unseated an AIPAC-backed incumbent in New York. Linda also unpacks what this shift means heading into 2028, why establishment figures like Rahm Emanuel and Kamala Harris are suddenly softening their tone on Israel, and whether that softening is sincere or just political triangulation. Linda offers guidance for student activists and young people wanting to stay engaged: how to balance activism with education, and which organizations to plug into after graduation. Join us today as we dive into the forces reshaping American elections, the real story behind this year's most surprising political upsets, and what it takes to turn grassroots conviction into lasting political change.

    How Grassroots Power Beat AIPAC: Linda Sarsour on the New Wave of Progressive Wins

  3. Jul 15 ·  Video

    Pulitzer Winner Mosab Abu Toha on Gaza, Survival & Why the World Must Not Look Away

    Mosab Abu Toha is a Palestinian writer, poet, scholar, and founder of Gaza's first English language library, the Edward Said Library. His debut poetry collection won both the Palestine Book Award and the American Book Award. In 2025, he received the Pulitzer Prize for his reporting and writing on Gaza in The New Yorker. In today's episode, Mosab joins me to share what life has been like since leaving Gaza after being detained by the Israeli military while trying to flee with his family. He explains how he continues documenting the realities on the ground while living with the pain of losing more than 100 relatives during the war. Mosab explains what daily life inside Gaza looks like today and the devastating impact these living conditions have on children, the elderly, and the wounded. We discuss the importance of documenting these events, how social media has shaped global awareness of the conflict, and why younger generations are seeing a different reality from previous generations. Our conversation also covers the importance of preserving Palestinian stories, the need for accountability, how public opinion is shifting around the world, and what individuals and political leaders can do to help bring about meaningful change. Join us today as we discuss the realities inside Gaza, the humanitarian crisis, the power of firsthand storytelling, the changing conversation around Palestine, how we can all help bring about justice, and much more.

    Pulitzer Winner Mosab Abu Toha on Gaza, Survival & Why the World Must Not Look Away

  4. Jul 9 ·  Video

    From Gaza Security to Congress: Anthony Aguilar's Fight for Palestinian Justice and American Values

    Anthony Aguilar is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, combat veteran, and former security officer with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). After witnessing conditions on the ground in Gaza firsthand, he made the difficult decision to speak publicly about what he saw, despite knowing it could cost him both professionally and personally. In today’s episode of CAIR On AIR, Anthony joins me to share what happened after he spoke publicly about his experiences in Gaza. We dive into why telling the truth can come with serious consequences and the importance of standing by your values, even when doing so puts your career, reputation, and livelihood at risk. Anthony also opens up about the backlash he faced, the threats he received, and why he continued speaking out despite those consequences. We also discuss how silence enables injustice and how others who want to speak the truth can find the courage to do so. Anthony explains how his 25 years of military service shaped his perspective on international law and accountability, and why he ultimately decided to run for Congress. Join us as we discuss the courage it takes to become a whistleblower, overcoming fear and intimidation, defending your integrity, speaking the truth in the face of pressure, the importance of moral conviction, and what we all must understand about standing up for justice.

    From Gaza Security to Congress: Anthony Aguilar's Fight for Palestinian Justice and American Values

  5. Jul 1 ·  Video

    Former U.S. State Department Official Exposes Congress' New Israel Integration Plan w/ Josh Paul

    Josh Paul is a former U.S. State Department official who resigned in 2023 in protest of the Biden administration’s decision to dramatically expand military assistance to Israel at the start of the Gaza war. After spending more than a decade working on arms transfers, security assistance, and defense diplomacy, he has become one of the most prominent voices calling for a reassessment of U.S. policy toward Israel and Palestine. In today’s episode, Josh joins me to discuss what led to his resignation, what he witnessed from inside the U.S. government, and why he believes the current debate over Israel and Palestine is fundamentally a political problem rather than a policy problem. Josh explains the mission behind A New Policy, the advocacy organization he co-founded. He also shares details about proposed provisions within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and the Intelligence Authorization Act, and discusses how they could impact U.S.-Israel integration. We also talk about growing public opposition to unconditional military aid, shifting political dynamics in Washington, tensions between U.S. and Israeli interests regarding Iran, the expansion of executive power, and the impact of Israel-Palestine policy on civil liberties and free speech in America. Join us as we explore the future of U.S.-Israel relations, congressional efforts to deepen military cooperation, the political forces driving American foreign policy, what these legislative proposals mean for the public, and how citizens can engage in the democratic process to influence policy decisions.

    Former U.S. State Department Official Exposes Congress' New Israel Integration Plan w/ Josh Paul

  6. Jun 25 ·  Video

    An Israeli General's Son Reveals What Israel's Apartheid 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 Apartheid 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 an Israeli Apartheid 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.

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

  7. 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.

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

  8. 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.

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