Barack Obama to Host Ramadan Dinner at the White House

Jakarta Globe | August 12, 2010

Jakarta. United States President Barack Obama has extended his best wishes to Muslims in America and around the world and announced that he will host a fast-breaking dinner at the White House this week.

United States President Barack Obama wishes
Muslims around the world all the best for Ramadan.
(AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

“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,” Obama said in an official statement issued by the US State Department.

“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.”

The White House, he said, would host fast breaking dinner.

“I look forward to hosting an Iftar dinner celebrating Ramadan here at the White House later this week, and wish you a blessed month.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also released a video message wishing Muslims is Israel and around the world an "easy" Ramadan.

"We mark this important month [Ramadan] amid attempts to achieve direct peace talks with the Palestinians and to advance peace treaties with our Arab neighbors," Netanyahu said.

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