White House celebrates Ramadan

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WASHINGTON — Israel's U.S. ambassador and leaders of Jewish Orthodox and Reform movements joined U.S. President Barack Obama at a White House dinner in celebration of Ramadan on September 1.

Ambassador Michael Oren, Orthodox Union Director of Public Affairs Nathan Diament, and Religious Action Centre of Reform Judaism Director Rabbi David Saperstein joined members of the Cabinet, House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, including the two Muslim members of Congress, and ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and other Arab and Muslim countries.

Obama said the dinner celebrated not only the month of Ramadan, but also "how much Muslims have enriched America and its culture…in ways both large and small."

Editor’s Note: A partial transcript of President Obama’s remarks is provided below.

On behalf of the American people – including Muslim communities in all fifty states – I want to extend best wishes to Muslims in America and around the world. Ramadan Kareem.

Like many people of different faiths who have known Ramadan through our communities and families, I know this to be a festive time – a time when families gather, friends host iftars, and meals are shared. But I also know that Ramadan is a time of intense devotion and reflection – a time when Muslims fast during the day and perform tarawih prayers at night, reciting and listening to the entire Koran over the course of the month.

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.

Beyond America’s borders, we are also committed to keeping our responsibility to build a world that is more peaceful and secure. That is why we are responsibly ending the war in Iraq. That is why we are isolating violent extremists while empowering the people in places like Afghanistan and Pakistan. That is why we are unyielding in our support for a two-state solution that recognizes the rights of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. And that is why America will always stand for the universal rights of all people to speak their mind, practice their religion, contribute fully to society and have confidence in the rule of law.

All of these efforts are a part of America’s commitment to engage Muslims and Muslim-majority nations on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect. And at this time of renewal, I want to reiterate my commitment to a new beginning between America and Muslims around the world.

Read the entire transcript and view the video at: www.whitehouse.gov