Obama: We Protect American Muslims Against Ignorance and Xenophobia

The Facebook page of the U.S. State Department published a message from Barack Obama, the President of the United States, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. In the beginning of the message, the President states: "Michelle and I send our warmest greetings to all those celebrating Eid al-Fitr in America and around the world. For American Muslims, Eid is an opportunity to reflect on the 30 days spent in fasting and recommitment to the values of gratitude, kindness, and generosity... American Muslims are as diverse as our country – Black, White, Latino, Asian, and Arab. Eid celebrations across the country remind us of our proud history, a country built by people with diverse backgrounds, our history in religious freedom and civil liberties, and our history in innovation and resilience. This legacy would not be realized without the contributions of American Muslims who make our country even stronger." On this Eid, while honoring the contributions of American Muslims across the country, including one of our greatest, the people's champion Muhammad Ali, whom we bid farewell to this Ramadan, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting American Muslims against ignorance and xenophobia. Barack Obama had previously criticized statements made by Donald Trump, a potential Republican presidential candidate, regarding the ban on Muslim immigrants entering the U.S. He also stated: "We hear a voice that is against immigration and suggests that all followers of one religion are involved in violence and are complicit." In another part of the Eid al-Fitr message, Barack Obama mentions: "Here in America, we are also witnessing an increase in attacks against American Muslims. No one should ever feel fear or insecurity in their place of worship. Many Americans have experienced Ramadan by volunteering to help those in need or fasting for a few days with their American Muslim colleagues." Mr. Obama's remarks regarding the increase in attacks on Muslims come as a recent report published by the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Gender and Race Center at Berkeley University in California indicates that various groups in America are somehow participating in "Islamophobia" and are working to promote hatred against Muslims. At the end of this message, it states: "American Muslims have been part of our American family since its founding. On this Eid, while honoring the contributions of American Muslims across the country, including one of our greatest, the people's champion Muhammad Ali, whom we bid farewell to this Ramadan, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting American Muslims against ignorance and xenophobia. Later this month, Michelle and I will host a celebration for Eid at the White House and we look forward to welcoming Americans from across the country to commemorate this occasion. From our family to yours, Eid Mubarak!"