Trump hosts first Iftar at White House
Washington: Donald Trump hosted his first Iftar dinner as US President on Wednesday, marking the traditional Ramzan fast-breaking meal with Muslim invitees at the White House. Hundreds of millions of devout Muslims observe the holy fasting month of Ramzan, which is slated to end on June 14.
From sunrise onwards, they abstain from food and drink, breaking their fast at sunset. There were more than 50 guests. At the head table, Trump sat with Saudi Ambassador Prince Khalid Ben Salman, and Jordanian Ambassador Dina Kawar.
Ambassadors were invited from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tunisia, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Morocco, Algeria and Libya.
"To each of you and to the Muslims around the world: Ramzan Mubarak," Trump said. Trump spoke of “the renewed bonds of friendship and cooperation” forged with “valued partners” from across the Middle East and said Iftars “mark the coming together of families and friends to celebrate a timeless message of peace, clarity and love. There is great love.”
“In gathering together this evening, we honour a sacred tradition of one of the world’s great religions,” he told an intimate audience. Outside the White House, a group of demonstrators displayed slogans and chanted in protest against Trump's efforts to ban immigrants from several Muslim-majority countries.
"We think it's the height of hypocrisy for Donald Trump to ban Muslims with one hand and then invite lead diplomats into the White House and break the fast with them," said Bilal Askaryar.
"It's hypocritical and his actions with the Muslim ban and spreading hate speech about Muslims is un-American and un-presidential."
Iftar dinners have been a regular feature on the White House calendar, along with prayer breakfasts, Passover Seders and similar events.