Friday, August 13, 2010

Barack Obama is hosting an Iftar tonight

Tonight Barack Obama will continue a tradition started by Bill Clinton as he will host what has become an annual Iftar at the White House.

As I mentioned a couple of days ago, the White House did release a statement from the First Family marking the start of Ramadan. The statement can be found below. 

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
Statement by the President on the Occasion of Ramadan

On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I want to extend our best wishes to Muslims in America and around the world. Ramadan Kareem.
Ramadan is a time when Muslims around the world reflect upon the wisdom and guidance that comes with faith, and the responsibility that human beings have to one another, and to God.  This is a time when families gather, friends host iftars, and meals are shared.  But Ramadan is also a time of intense devotion and reflection – a time when Muslims fast during the day and pray during the night; when Muslims provide support to others to advance opportunity and prosperity for people everywhere.  For all of us must remember that the world we want to build – and the changes that we want to make – must begin in our own hearts, and our own communities.
These rituals remind us of the principles that we hold in common, and Islam’s role in advancing justice, progress, tolerance, and the dignity of all human beings.   Ramadan is a celebration of a faith known for great diversity and racial equality.  And here in the United States, Ramadan is a reminder that Islam has always been part of America and that American Muslims have made extraordinary contributions to our country. And today, I want to extend my best wishes to the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world – and your families and friends – as you welcome the beginning of Ramadan.
I look forward to hosting an Iftar dinner celebrating Ramadan here at the White House later this week, and wish you a blessed month.
May God’s peace be upon you.
Last year Barack Obama not only released a text statement but a video as well


The White House also uploaded the video of his remarks at the Iftar event last year. Will they do the same again this year?


A lot of people were not happy with the guest list last year as major Muslim organizations like Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) were not on the guest list (though the President of ISNA was there). Hopefully the guest list is more diverse this year. What do I have to do to score an invite next year?
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