On the occasion of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Jill Biden extend warm wishes and prayers to Muslims both in the United States and around the world. The sacred month, traditionally a time for reflection and renewal, coincides with a moment of immense pain, particularly due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
President Biden expresses deep concern for the suffering inflicted on the Palestinian people, with over 30,000 reported casualties, including thousands of civilian casualties, and the displacement of nearly two million Palestinians. In response, the United States is leading international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza through various means, including establishing a temporary pier for aid shipments and coordinating airdrops in collaboration with international partners, including Jordan.
Furthermore, the President affirms his commitment to working tirelessly for an immediate and sustained ceasefire lasting at least six weeks, emphasizing the importance of securing a deal that releases hostages. The broader goal is to build towards a long-term future characterized by stability, security, and peace, including the pursuit of a two-state solution that ensures equal measures of freedom, dignity, security, and prosperity for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Addressing domestic concerns, President Biden condemns the resurgence of hate and violence towards Muslim Americans, emphasizing that Islamophobia has no place in the United States. The President underscores the nation’s foundation on freedom of worship and acknowledges the contributions of immigrants, including Muslim immigrants. To counteract these issues, the Biden Administration is actively developing the first-ever National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Related Forms of Bias and Discrimination, specifically targeting hate against Muslim, Sikh, South Asian, and Arab American communities.
Directly addressing Muslim Americans, President Biden reassures them of their value as integral members of the American family. He acknowledges the grief experienced during the current war and expresses empathy, stating, “I hear you, I see you, and I pray you find solace in your faith, family, and community.” Additionally, as Ramadan commences, the President extends his wishes for a safe, healthy, and blessed month with a heartfelt “Ramadan kareem.”
Despite facing criticism from some Muslim American communities regarding his response to the Gaza crisis, President Biden highlights his administration’s efforts to deliver aid to Gaza, including the establishment of a temporary pier and airdrops. He commits to ongoing collaboration with Israel to expand aid deliveries by land, insisting on the facilitation of more routes and open crossings to reach a greater number of people.
President Biden’s statement on the occasion of Ramadan encompasses a multifaceted approach—addressing international crises, domestic challenges, and expressing solidarity with Muslim communities. The President’s commitment to humanitarian efforts, fostering peace in the Middle East, and combating Islamophobia showcases a comprehensive strategy aimed at inclusivity, understanding, and global cooperation.
