On August 10th, 2011, Dr. Azizah al-Hibri, Founder and Chair of KARAMAH, was again invited to the white House Iftar dinner hosted by President Barak Obama. This is the third Iftar hosted by the President as part of a White House tradition that celebrates the holy days of different faiths in America and the diversity that defines this country as a nation. The event was preceded by a briefing to Muslim leaders about various services and governmental offices and functions. The briefing was very valuable to acquaint American Muslims with their government and its efforts to serve the needs of the American people.
Dr. al-Hibri attended the Iftar dinner along with other leaders of the Muslim community and diverse faiths, government officials, members of congress, diplomatic corps and some 9/11 families.
President Obama hailed the contributions of Muslim American in this country and called for “an America that doesn’t simply tolerate people of different backgrounds and beliefs, but an America where we are enriched by our diversity. An America where we treat one another with respect and with dignity, remembering that here in the United States there is no “them” or “us;” it’s just us. An America where our fundamental freedoms and inalienable rights are not simply preserved, but continually renewed and refreshed — among them the right of every person to worship as they choose. An America that stands up for dignity and the rights of people around the world, whether a young person demanding his or her freedom in the Middle East or North Africa, or a hungry child in the Horn of Africa, where we are working to save lives.”
Dr. al-Hibri said: “KARAMAH is pleased that President Obama has continued the tradition of celebrating Ramadan by an iftar dinner at the White House. This tradition underscores the fact that American Muslims have long been part of the mosaic of this country and have contributed for centuries towards its development.”
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