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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 4, 2007
President Bush Attends Iftaar Dinner at the White House
State Dining Room
Ramadan 2007
Menu for Iftaar Dinner
7:16 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all for coming. Please be seated. Ramadan
Mubarak. Laura and I are pleased to have you here for our seventh Iftaar
dinner. Tonight we celebrate traditions of Islamic faith, which brings
hope and comfort to more than a billion people. For Muslims around the
world, the holy month of Ramadan is a special time of prayer and fasting.
It is a time for charity and service to those less fortunate. It's a time
to celebrate Islam's learned and vibrant culture, which has enriched
civilization for centuries.
Ramadan is also a good time for Americans of all faiths to reflect on the
values we hold in common -- including love of family, gratitude to the
Almighty, devotion to community, and a commitment to religious liberty.
The freedom of worship is central to the American character. It's the
first protection in the Bill of Rights. It holds together the fabric of
American society
-- supporting every individual's right to practice his or her beliefs
without fear.
Today, our world is at war with violent extremists who seek to tear the
fabric of our society -- and stop the advance of freedom in Muslim
societies around the world. They attack holy sites, destroy mosques and
minarets, and kill innocent men, women and children -- including Muslims
who do not share their radical views. They believe that by spreading chaos
and violence they can frustrate the desire of Muslims to live in freedom
and peace. We say to them, you don't represent Muslims, you do not
represent Islam -- and you will not succeed.
America is standing with mainstream citizens across the broader Middle
East. We stand with nearly 12 million Iraqis who voted for a democratic
future for their children. We're standing with Afghan people, as they
defend their young democracy against the Taliban and al Qaeda. We're
standing with the Lebanese people, who raised the banner of a Cedar
Revolution to reclaim their freedom and independence. We're standing with
all who seek the blessings of liberty -- and the peace that freedom brings.
Americans have a history of standing with Muslims facing suffering and
hardship -- and it's a proud history. Our country defended Muslims in
Bosnia and Kosovo after the breakup of Yugoslavia. We supported Kuwait
after it was invaded by Saddam Hussein. Americans came to the aid of
victims of devastating earthquakes in Pakistan, India, and Iran. Americans
responded with urgency and compassion to the wreckage of the tsunami in
Indonesia and Sri Lanka and Thailand. We're rallying the world to confront
the genocide in Sudan, and deliver humanitarian aid for those in dire need.
And we support the establishment of a Palestinian democracy to live side
by side with Israel in peace.
As you break your Ramadan fast at this Iftaar dinner, let us renew our
faith in the universality of freedom. Let us celebrate the millions of
Muslims that we are proud to call American citizens. And let us honor the
many Muslim nations that America is proud to call friends.
Laura and I are grateful you're here. Thank you for coming. We wish you a
blessed Ramadan. And now I ask the Imam to say the blessing.
END 7:20 P.M. EDT
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