Guest list for Obama's White House Ramadan dinner

(UPDATE: 5:48 p.m. The president's dinner remarks -- sans teleprompter -- have been added to the end of this item.)

The other day President Obama issued a special message to the Muslim world for the annual Ramadan holiday. Tonight, before leaving Wednesday for the rest of his stay-cation at Camp David, the president hosts a White House banquet to celebrate the same holiday.

Invited guests include three Cabinet secretaries, numerous diplomats, five members of Congress including the first Muslim, Keith Ellison of Minnesota, and the chief of the Palestine Liberation Organization mission.

Here is the list of invited guests, as provided by the White House:

Cabinet: Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr., and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

Deputy Cabinet secretaries: Commerce Deputy Secretary Dennis Hightower and Education Deputy Secretary Adam Miller.

Congress: Reps. Andre Carson (D-Ind.), John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.), Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Rush D. Holt (D-N.J.) and Sen. Richard G. Lugar (R-Ind.).

Diplomats: Ambassador Prince Zeid Ra'ad Zeid Al Hussein of Jordan; Ambassador Adel A.M. Al Jubeir of Saudi Arabia; Ambassador Husain Haqqani of Pakistan; Ambassador Erlan A. Idrissov of Kazakhstan; Ambassador His Excellency Said ...

... Tayeb Jawad of Afghanistan; Ambassador Aziz Mekouar of Morocco; Ambassador Peter N.R.O. Ogego of Kenya.

Also, Ambassador Roble Olhaye of D’jibouti; Ambassador Michael Oren of Israel; Ambassador Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat of Indonesia; Ambassador Klaus Scharioth of Germany; Ambassador Meera Shankar of India; Ambassador Nabi Sensoy of Turkey; Ambassador Sir Nigel Elton Sheinwald of Britain; Ambassador Sameh Hassan Shoukry of Egypt; Ambassador Samir Shakir Mahmood Sumaida’ie of Iraq; and Ambassador Pierre Nicolas Vimont of France.

Also the following Chargé d'Affaires: Sheikh Mohammed Belal of Bangladesh; Ilango Karuppanan of Malaysia; Mohamed O Maiga; Angela Oi Foong Shim of Brunei; Baba Gana Wakil of Nigeria; and Maen Areikat, chief of mission, Palestine Liberation Organization.

Members of the public: Bilquis Abdul-Qaadir, University of Memphis; Professor Azizah Al-Hibri, University of Richmond School of Law; Reema Ali, Karamah, Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights; Hasan Chandoo, Oppenheimer & Co.; Rabbi Nathan Diament, director, Institute for Public Affairs, Orthodox Union; Imam Plemon El-Amin, Atlanta Masjid al-Islam.

Also, Wahid Hamid, PepsiCo; Dina Hammad; Lutfi Hassan; Nashala Hearn; Rosalind Hearn; Imam Yahya Hendi, chaplain, Georgetown University; pastor Joel Hunter, Northland Church; Nooman Husain; and Imad Hussain.

Additionally, Sanford Ibrahim, CEO, Radian Group; Jameel Jaffer, staff attorney, ACLU; Mrs. Elsheba Khan; Dr. Mansur Khan, UMMA Community Clinic; Farhana Khera, Muslim Advocates; Lt. Commander Abuhena Saifulislam, U.S. Marine Corps; and Kareem Salama.

Also, Imam Yusuf Saleem; Masjid Muhammad; Dr. Ingrid Mattson, president, Islamic Society of North America; Farooq Mitha; Dalia Mogahed, director, Gallup Center for Muslim Studies; Hutham Olayan, Olayan America Corp.; Eboo Patel, Interfaith Youth Corps; and Rabbi David Saperstein, Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism.

Additionally, Mina Trudeau, executive director, El Fatiha Foundation; J. Saleh Williams, Congressional Muslim Staffers Assn.; and Mohamed Zakariya, Zakariya Calligraphy.

UPDATE:

Remarks by the President, State Dining Room, as provided by the White House

THE PRESIDENT: Please, everybody have a seat. Thank you. Well, it is my great pleasure to host all of you here at the White House to mark this special occasion -- Ramadan Kareem.

I want to say that I'm deeply honored to welcome so many members of the diplomatic corps, as well as several members of my administration and distinguished members of Congress, including the first two Muslims to serve in Congress -- Keith Ellison and Andre Carson. Where are they? (Applause.)

Just a few other acknowledgements I want to make. We have Sen. Richard Lugar here, who's our ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.  Where is Dick Lugar?  There he is. (Applause.)  Rep. John Conyers, chairman of the Judiciary Committee. (Applause.)  Rep. Rush Holt is here. Thank you, Rush.  (Applause.)  Have we found you a seat, Rush? (Laughter.)

REPRESENTATIVE HOLT:  I’m on my way to the train.  (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT:  I got you. We also have here -- Secretary of Defense Gates is here.  Secretary Gates.  (Applause.)  Our attorney general, Eric Holder. (Applause.)  And Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius is here. (Applause.)

And most of all, I want to welcome all the American Muslims from many walks of life who are here. This is just one part of our effort to celebrate Ramadan, and continues a long tradition of hosting iftars here at the White House.

For well over a billion Muslims, Ramadan is a time of intense devotion and reflection. It's a time of service and support for those in need. And it is also a time for family and friends to come together in a celebration of their faith, their communities, and the common humanity that all of us share. It is in that spirit that I welcome each and every one of you to the White House.

Tonight's iftar is a ritual that is also being carried out this Ramadan at kitchen tables and mosques in all 50 states. Islam, as we know, is part of America.  And like the broader American citizenry, the American Muslim community is one of extraordinary dynamism and diversity -- with families that stretch back generations and more recent immigrants; with Muslims of countless races and ethnicities, and with roots in every corner of the world.

Indeed, the contribution of Muslims to the United States are too long to catalog because Muslims are so interwoven into the fabric of our communities and our country.  American Muslims are successful in business and entertainment; in the arts and athletics; in science and in medicine. Above all, they are successful parents, good neighbors and active citizens.

So on this occasion, we celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan, and we also celebrate how much Muslims have enriched America and its culture -- in ways both large and small.  And with us here tonight, we see just a small sample of those contributions. Let me share a few stories with you briefly.

Elsheba Khan's son, Kareem, made the ultimate sacrifice for his country when he lost his life in Iraq. Kareem joined the military as soon as he finished high school. He would go on to win the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, along with the admiration of his fellow soldiers. In describing her son, Elsheba said, "He always wanted to help any way that he could." 

Tonight, he's buried alongside thousands of heroes in Arlington National Cemetery. A crescent is carved into his grave, just as others bear the Christian cross or the Jewish star. These brave Americans are joined in death as they were in life -- by a common commitment to their country and the values that we hold dear.

One of those values is the freedom to practice your religion -- a right that is enshrined in the 1st Amendment of the Constitution. Nashala Hearn, who joins us from Muskogee, Okla., took a stand for that right at an early age. When her school district told her that she couldn't wear the hijab, she protested that it was a part of her religion. 

The Department of Justice stood behind her, and she won her right to practice her faith. She even traveled to Washington to testify before Congress. Her words spoke to a tolerance that is far greater than mistrust -- when she first wore her headscarf to school, she said, "I received compliments from the other kids."

Another young woman who has thrived in her school is Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir.  She's not even 5'5'' -- where's Bilqis?  Right here.  Stand up, Bilqis, just so that we -- (laughter) -- I want everybody to know -- she's got heels on.  She's 5'5'' -- Bilqis broke Rebecca Lobo's record for the most points scored by any high school basketball player in Massachusetts history. (Applause.) 

She recently told a reporter, "I'd like to really inspire a lot of young Muslim girls if they want to play basketball.  Anything is possible. They can do it too."  As an honor student, as an athlete on her way to Memphis, Bilqis is an inspiration not simply to Muslim girls -- she's an inspiration to all of us.

Of course, we know that when it comes to athletes who have inspired America, any list would include the man known simply as The Greatest.  And while Muhammad Ali could not join us tonight, it is worth reflecting upon his remarkable contributions, as he's grown from an unmatched fighter in the ring to a man of quiet dignity and grace who continues to fight for what he believes -- and that includes the notion that people of all faiths holds things in common. 

I love this quote. A few years ago, he explained this view -- and this is part of why he's The Greatest -- saying, "Rivers, ponds, lakes and streams -- they all have different names, but they all contain water. Just as religions do -- they all contain truths."

They all contain truths. Among those truths are the pursuit of peace and the dignity of all human beings.  That must always form the basis upon which we find common ground. And that is why I am so pleased that we are joined tonight not only by so many outstanding Muslim Americans and representatives of the diplomatic corps, but people of many faiths -- Christians, Jews and Hindus -- along with so many prominent Muslims.

Together, we have a responsibility to foster engagement grounded in mutual interest and mutual respect.  And that's one of my fundamental commitments as president, both at home and abroad. That is central to the new beginning that I've sought between the United States and Muslims around the world. And that is a commitment that we can renew once again during this holy season.

So tonight, we celebrate a great religion and its commitment to justice and progress. We honor the contributions of America's Muslims, and the positive example that so many of them set through their own lives. And we rededicate ourselves to the work of building a better and more hopeful world.

So thanks to all of you for taking the time to be here this evening. I wish you all a very blessed Ramadan.  And with that, I think we can start a feast.  I don't know what's on the menu, but I'm sure it will be good.  (Laughter.) Thank you very much, everybody. (Applause.)    ###        

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Photo: Office of Rep. Keith Ellison

Comments

[dana sousley]

Bush and Obama both claim to be a christian but I being a christian believe that there is only one way to heaven and to God and that is thru Jesus Christ my savior who died for me on the cross.These two I doubt very much would agree that there is only one way. We are close living in the end times and these two are only fullfilling phropesy and if they do not repent and turn from their wicked ways the Lord will deal with them long term.

[jw456]

wikipedia: "The National Prayer Committee created a non-governmental organization called The National Day of Prayer Task Force, with the intended purpose of coordinating events specifically for evangelical Christians for the National Day of Prayer. Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, they work out of facilities from Focus on the Family, a Christian organization. Shirley Dobson (wife of Focus on the Family founder James Dobson) is currently at the head of the Task Force.

The Task force's website says in their FAQ section: "Americans of all faiths are encouraged to participate in the [National Day of Prayer] according to their own traditions. However, the [National Day of Prayer] Task Force provides promotional materials and sponsors several events in keeping with the Judeo-Christian tradition". The 2008 application[5] requires giving statement affirming Biblical Inerrancy, and requires voluteers "commit that NDP activities I serve with will be conducted solely by Christians".

In 2004 Mormons were barred from conducting services during Natl. Day of Prayer ceremonies by the group's task force chairwoman Shirley Dobson." Not very ecumenical.

[John Stith]

Actually, kids can pray in schools, all they want. Those who would rather be hated and feared will probably be hated and feared. Your Christian faith is hardley threatened in America. But when you object so fearfully to the acknowledgement of other faiths, you imply that you only want America to be that one thing, and you demonstrate your foolish intolerance. The praising of another is never an affront to oneself. The gift belongs to the giver.

[Christmas Carol]

Personally I think the President has a right to host any party he wants . I just do not like him spending taxpayers dollars doing it . I did not vote for this president
and would never vote in the future for him for any position , I think he considers the White House his personal domain and does not respect his position enough to represent our country the way that he should . Stay put and take care of the business for the United States Citizens .

[steve rodriguez]

Amen to you about Obama Christmas Carol: I did not vote for this president
and would never vote in the future for him for any position , I think he considers the White House his personal domain and does not respect his position enough to represent our country the way that he should . Stay put and take care of the business for the United States Citizens .

[Retired Navy]

I am a Christian living in a christian nation. wake up and smell the coffee Mr. Obama, you keep doing this kind thing and you better start looking for work. there won't be a 2nd term. When are you going to make Arabic the national language?

[Sindie]

I'm really shocked at all these xenophobic & racist remarks! All Presidents hosts these events to honor the myriad of beautiful cultures that make up America! Wake up and smell the coffee!!! I don't know the meaning of Ramadan, but I think it's a wonderful thing that our honorable, President Barack Obama is hosting this Muslim event! I was raised Catholic, and now I'm a born-again Christian! I look forward to being a guest at my friends' Passover celebration every year! Why can't we all just get along?

[Lucia Bartoli]

So, where's the High Holydays list???
To quote a GREAT American "Good grief!" (Charlie Brown)

[Lucia Bartoli]

Oh, yes...Do we have a Wicca Solstice guest list? OMG! Is ANYONE thinking there in the WH? Where is the protocol flunky? Of course, at the very beginning of his term, one of BO's "aides" was calling the White HOuse: the House and "the People's House" I'm now gonna call it the Outhouse.
Wow!!!

[Teresa]

How can anyone honor a religion that says "if you think your woman is going to be disobedient, take her to the bed and beat her." Islam is not a religion, it is a violent cult. They believe it takes the word of two women to equal the word of one man (per the Quran), that children should be married (the Quran states it's better for a girl to start menstrating at her husband's house than her father's) and that people who do not believe as they do should be enslaved or murdered. How did this cult ever get a foothold in the United States???

[Bernica]

It isn't that he had this celebration but the fact he had no time for the national day of prayer for our country. The wonderful thing about our country is that because we are a free country we can worship the way we want, it is not so in other countries.If we were not a Christian country founded on God's Word we could not tolerate other religions and had it been decided on we could be a Christian nation and other religions would not be welcomed. If he wants to show we accept ALL religions then he needs to honor the majority of citizens in this country who are of the Christian faith.

[crickets]

teresa:

the bible contains similar passages, and there are those who have used it to justify misogyny and pedophilia, not to mention xenophobia. you're obviously civilized enough to ignore a great deal of the book that you likely consider sacred. what makes you think that your muslim neighbors aren't? futhermore, if you don't trust them to interpret their holy book with a modicum of restraint, why should they or anyone else trust you not to go out witch-burning or disobediant-child-stoning?

[Joy Williams]

I am extremely shaken and disappointed with President Barack Obama for gathering together with Muslims and having a special celebration for this sacred event when you, Mr. President will not even stand up for the National Day of Prayer for us Christians here in the United States of America. You don't even have the decency to pray to the one true God--the God of the Holy Bible. We pray for you and hope that before it is too late you will turn to a Jesus Christ and your personal Savior. JW

[Brandy Neilson]

My only gripe is that as a Christian, my children may not pray in school (but if they were wiccan, they could cast spells and worship trees!), and it is not PC for me to say Merry Christmas because I might offend somebody. I think Christians are getting a raw deal. Last year a town in California had a problem in which Christians were putting up manger decorations for Christmas on their lawns, and there was a formal protest from the Jewish contingency about it. The town fathers met and decided that the Christians could still put them up because it was on private property, just as the Jewish folks could put up the Star of David if they wanted to. I thought that was very nervy of the Jewish folks to try to impose THEIR preferences upon the Christians, when the Christians didn't try to impose their preferences on the Jewish folks. Christians are, by and large, getting a hard knock and a bad rap. I would like to see President Obama give Christian holidays and National Prayer Day equal time with the Muslim folks.

[Miranda M.]

I think it's wonderful that our president is participating in the significant events for all the different faiths in this country.

[Miranda M.]

I think it's wonderful that our president is participating in the significant events for all the different faiths in this country.

[Kathy]

"I Knew this was going to happen! The Majority voted this man in office as well as the Electorals. Which the Electoral vote is a joke anyway! But, this Country was founded by devout Christians. Obama claimed to be Christian, so is he sucking up to Muslims for some cheaper oil, or has he never really been Christina at all? Wake up America and see this person for who he really is! He is the one in the book of Revelation that rears their Evil Head! Your looking at it!"

[Kathy]

"How come only the Muslims that commented on here don't think it is a big deal? Go home! This Country was better when it had Christian values, and Morals! Choke on that!"

[Kathy]

USPS New 42-Cent Stamp!!! Celebrates Muslim holiday.

REMEMBER the MUSLIM bombing of Pan Am Flight 103!

REMEMBER the MUSLIM bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993!

REMEMBER the MUSLIM bombing of the Marine Barracks in Lebanon !

REMEMBER the MUSLIM bombing of the military Barracks in Saudi Arabia !

REMEMBER the MUSLIM bombing of the American Embassies in Africa !

REMEMBER the MUSLIM bombing of the USS COLE!

REMEMBER the MUSLIM attack on 9/11/2001 !

REMEMBER all the AMERICAN lives that were lost in those vicious MUSLIM attacks!

REMEMBER?

[Dick Staff]

This is all very hard to believe . . . a President that "hides" his personal history from us? A President that goes around the world "apologizing" for our great nation being what it is?? A President that VIOLATES the Constitution he has sworn to defend?? A U.S. President that "kisses ass" instead of kicking it?! And now, a President that denounces the great Christian heritage of our great country, while he celebrates "Ramadan" in 'OUR' White House?!! NO WAY, AMERICA . . . this is unacceptable behavior from an unacceptable man!! Become a part of the solution - write Faxes, E-mail, letters, make phone calls to the Senate telling them HOW WE FEEL about this!!

[Chris]

In 2001, President George W. Bush hosted the first White House Iftar dinner — the daily breaking of fast at sundown. It was ostensibly one of the most tense periods between Muslims and non-Muslims. President Bush told his guests that the Qur’an “has guided billions of believers across the centuries, and those believers built a culture of learning and literature and science.”

President Bush hosted an Iftar every year of his two terms. During Ramadan of 2005, he announced he had added the first copy of the Koran to the White House library, saying:

I have asked young Americans to study the language and customs of the broader Middle East.

Why criticize President Obama for doing the exact same thing that President Bush did? Where was the outcry back then? There was no outcry even though Pres Bush added the first copy of the Koran to the White House library.

Educate yourselves

Chris

[Robert Bantom]

One question, why is this gala event not held in Mecca????

[FedUp]

The gall of this imposter president to host a dinner party to celebrate ramadan in the white house and agree with his fellow brethren muslims concerning the abomination mosque at ground zero is shameful! Obama's muslim religion is not tolerant to no one but Islam! Just try and build a church in a country where sharia law rules! Obama needs to be impeached!

[Big HANK]

...of course paid for by our tax dollars. I received no RSVP, so I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!!!! Next time show Bugs Bunny Cartoons so everyone can enjoy them...