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NEW DELHI: In a noticeable shift, US President Joe Biden hosted a significantly downscaled iftar dinner at the White House to mark Ramzan event amid growing discontent within the Muslim community over his administration’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The dinner, typically a grand affair, was replaced by a smaller meeting with senior Muslim officials, a move reflecting the administration’s attempt to engage in dialogue over celebration.
The decision to alter the traditional iftar celebration came as several invitees declined attendance, expressing frustration over Biden’s policies concerning the Israel-Gaza war.”President Biden will host a meeting with Muslim community leaders to discuss issues of importance to the community,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, highlighting the administration’s responsiveness to community sentiments. This move underscores a significant departure from last year’s joyous Eid reception, pointing to the deepening rift between the administration and Muslim Americans.
Protests and calls for policy change
The gathering was not without protest, as Dr Thaer Ahmad, an emergency room doctor with recent experience in Gaza, exited the meeting early. “Out of respect for my community, out of respect for all of the people who have suffered and who have been killed in the process, I needed to walk out of the meeting,” Ahmad explained, voicing a sentiment echoed by many in the Muslim and anti-war communities.
“We’re just in a different world,” said Wa’el Alzayat, who leads Emgage, a Muslim advocacy organization. “It’s completely surreal. And it’s sad.”
Alzayat attended last year’s event, but he declined an invitation to break his fast with Biden this year, saying, “It’s inappropriate to do such a celebration while there’s a famine going on in Gaza.”
The meeting’s backdrop of ongoing violence in Gaza, where tens of thousands have been killed following an attack by Hamas on October 7, further amplifies calls for a reevaluation of US support for Israel and demands for a ceasefire.
As the White House navigates these turbulent waters, the administration’s ability to mend fences with the Muslim community and adapt its foreign policy in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains a critical challenge. With Ramzan event celebrations overshadowed by geopolitical strife, the events at the White House reflect broader tensions affecting US relations with Muslim Americans and international partners alike.
(With inputs from agencies)
The decision to alter the traditional iftar celebration came as several invitees declined attendance, expressing frustration over Biden’s policies concerning the Israel-Gaza war.”President Biden will host a meeting with Muslim community leaders to discuss issues of importance to the community,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, highlighting the administration’s responsiveness to community sentiments. This move underscores a significant departure from last year’s joyous Eid reception, pointing to the deepening rift between the administration and Muslim Americans.
Protests and calls for policy change
The gathering was not without protest, as Dr Thaer Ahmad, an emergency room doctor with recent experience in Gaza, exited the meeting early. “Out of respect for my community, out of respect for all of the people who have suffered and who have been killed in the process, I needed to walk out of the meeting,” Ahmad explained, voicing a sentiment echoed by many in the Muslim and anti-war communities.
“We’re just in a different world,” said Wa’el Alzayat, who leads Emgage, a Muslim advocacy organization. “It’s completely surreal. And it’s sad.”
Alzayat attended last year’s event, but he declined an invitation to break his fast with Biden this year, saying, “It’s inappropriate to do such a celebration while there’s a famine going on in Gaza.”
The meeting’s backdrop of ongoing violence in Gaza, where tens of thousands have been killed following an attack by Hamas on October 7, further amplifies calls for a reevaluation of US support for Israel and demands for a ceasefire.
As the White House navigates these turbulent waters, the administration’s ability to mend fences with the Muslim community and adapt its foreign policy in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains a critical challenge. With Ramzan event celebrations overshadowed by geopolitical strife, the events at the White House reflect broader tensions affecting US relations with Muslim Americans and international partners alike.
(With inputs from agencies)
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