NATION
White House Restores Its Eid Celebration
Former ISNA president Azhar Azeez with President Biden.
P
resident Joe Biden fulfilled a campaign promise to restore the annual commemoration of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr at the White House. After a hiatus, this in-person celebration, held on May 1, was historically meaningful to both those in attendance and Muslim Americans nationwide. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden presented a thoughtful welcome. Also present were Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff and Dr. Talib Shareef (president and imam, Masjid Muhammad), a veteran who offered the invocation. In his remarks, Biden recognized the Muslim Americans’ diversity, vibrance and the multitude of ways in which they continue 18
to contribute to the nation’s collective future. The president acknowledged the important contributions made by Muslim American frontline workers and scientists to respond to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. He said, “This year, as we mark Eid al-Fitr, we hold in our hearts the millions of displaced persons and refugees around the globe who are spending this sacred holiday separated from their families and unsure of their future, but still hoping for a brighter tomorrow. As a nation we must always keep faith with those seeking a better life and uphold our commitment to serving as a beacon of hope for oppressed people around the world. And, [as] Muslims across the United States celebrate Eid, let
ISLAMIC HORIZONS JULY/AUGUST 2022
us renew our dedication to our foundational commitment to respecting all faiths and beliefs.” The president reminded the audience that the “tradition of religious freedom for all strengthens our country, and we will continue to work with Americans of all beliefs and backgrounds to safeguard and deepen our collective commitment to this fundamental principle. This year, we will resume the tradition of celebrating Eid at the White House, and of honoring the inspiring Muslim Americans who are leading efforts to build greater understanding and unity across our nation.” Those in attendance reflected the rich diversity of Muslim Americans across multiple sectors including elected officials and public servants, entrepreneurs and innovators, as well as community-based social sector leaders. Several Muslim appointees and members of the administration were also present at the celebration. Farhan Latif (president, AlHibri Foundation) noted, “You [Mr. President] reiterated your promise to make your administration look like America, and we thank you for continuing to deliver on that promise. Your administration has made significant appointments of American Muslims to the federal bench, in the area of international religious freedom and other branches of the administration. Our regular and ongoing engagement with the Office of Presidential Personnel has helped to connect public service opportunities with highly qualified candidates from our communities. We know that American Muslims will continue to work within and alongside your administration to tackle the climate crisis, rebuild the economy, safeguard our health, and restore our alliances. “We welcome your remarks seeking renewal of our common commitment to shared values, so that we may realize an equitable and more inclusive society that helps us all live up to the potential of forming a more perfect union.” He also appreciated the president for acknowledging the suffering that many Muslim communities face across the globe due to religious discrimination and stated his support for religious freedom at home and abroad. “It did not go unnoticed”
