Media Monitor: CAIR Reports on Leadership Appointment, Condemnations, and Advocacy Efforts

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is reporting several key developments and advocacy efforts.

CAIR announced the appointment of Robert S. McCaw, its Government Affairs Department Director, as the 2026-2027 Board Chairman of the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO). CAIR said McCaw has served its Government Affairs Department for 15 years, advancing American Muslim civic engagement, voter empowerment initiatives, civil rights advocacy and community representation in Washington, D.C. It noted McCaw also co-founded and chairs USCMO’s National Muslim Advocacy Day, which brought more than 1,000 American Muslim delegates to Washington, D.C., in April for advocacy on Capitol Hill.

CAIR-NY condemned an act of vandalism targeting a Queens church. CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher said all New Yorkers deserve to practice their religion free from intimidation, hatred and violence. It urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.

CAIR renewed its call on Congress to demand Israel release Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. CAIR said Abu Safiya has been in Israeli captivity since December 2024 and has been subjected to torture, causing serious injuries. It stated his only crime was treating Palestinians in Gaza and called for his immediate release and accountability for the Israeli government.

In other news, Baptist News Global and AsAmNews reported CAIR and the Islamic Society of Tulsa are suing the City of Broken Arrow for denying a rezoning application to build a mosque, citing religious freedom laws. The Dallas Morning News reported the McKinney City Council unanimously approved a mosque site plan.

The Center Square, New York Times and USA Today reported CAIR also launched Muslims.Vote, a non-partisan civic engagement campaign to provide American Muslims with voting tools and resources. The Charlotte Observer and Queen City News reported CAIR denounced "hateful" comments against a Lake Norman mosque and expressed sadness over opposition to a mosque development in Mooresville. Inside Higher Ed reported on detentions of international scholars at airports, with CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry saying such traumatic detentions should not occur during domestic travel.