Washington DC, 2 May 2023 (TDI): Â President of the United States (US), Joe Biden, recently hosted a reception at the White House to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. The reception was attended by a diverse group of Muslim Americans, including Congress members, veterans, business owners, and community leaders.
In his remarks, President Biden thanked the Muslim American community for their contributions to the US, highlighting their work as teachers, doctors, engineers, and business owners.
He also recognized the bravery of Muslim Americans who serve in the US Armed Forces and law enforcement, putting their lives on the line to keep the country safe.
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Moreover, Joe Biden noted that Muslim culture is woven throughout American culture, from music and film to literature, fashion, and the arts. He cited Muslim athletes like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the recent emergence of Muslim superheroes, such as Marvel, as examples of the community’s impact.
Moving on, President Biden singled out special guest Omar Masood, the owner of Omar’s World of Comics, located in Lexington, Massachusetts. Omar, who has Down syndrome, not only sells comic books and hosts gaming tournaments but also offers job training for students with disabilities.
So, the President praised Omar’s store as a place where everyone is welcome, valued, and can make a contribution.
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To mention the reception was also attended by Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, as well as Congressman Andre Carson, who serves as the dean of the Indiana delegation.
Joe Biden acknowledged the historic number of Muslim Americans serving in Congress, saying it was great for democracy when Congress looks like America.
Furthermore, President Biden praised the Muslim American community’s strength and resilience, highlighting how their dedication and devotion during Ramadan are no different from those of other religions’ holy periods, such as Lent. He emphasized this fact by saying:
“Ramadan brings you closer to God and to each other, because Ramadan is something you experience together. That’s the important piece of it. You support each other through their daily fasts. You show generosity by giving alms to hungry people. You gather with friends and family and for iftars each night”
Apart from celebrating the contributions of Muslim Americans, President Biden also condemned hate and discrimination against them. In the same vein, he expressed concern for Muslim communities worldwide, struggling with conflict, poverty, hunger, disease, and displacement from their homes.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting peace and standing up for the rights and dignity of all people, including combating Islamophobia.
Likewise, Joe Biden recalled that an interagency task force had been established to address anti-Muslim hate and discrimination, and the United We Stand summit was convened last September to focus on the issue.
He closed the Eid al-Fitr reception at the White House by thanking all Muslim Americans for their contributions to the nation and for their commitment to shared values that make America great.
Eman Mudassar Tarar is a student of International Relations at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad and can be reached at emantarar26@gmail.com. She is currently working as a Research intern in the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies. Her areas of interest are rooted in a deep passion for global politics, international relations, ongoing transnational developments as well as a strong commitment to advancing human rights and promoting social justice on a global scale. She writes as a columnist for various media outlets. The author tweets @the_emantarar.
