Rice Hosts Iftar Party
Washington, DC: Secretary of
State Condoleezza Rice Oct 25 hosted the State Department’s
seventh annual “Iftar,” or Ramadan fast-breaking
dinner, in Washington, DC.
The dinner took place after sunset, in accordance with Islamic
practices. Muslim participants broke the fast with water and
dates before performing their sunset prayers. Those in attendance
at the dinner included Nihad Awad, executive director of the
Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR),
as well as representatives of other local and national Muslim
organizations, Muslim students, diplomats from Islamic countries,
and State Department officials.
In her remarks, Secretary Rice reflected on the meaning of
Ramadan and thanked Muslims for their generosity in donating
to relief for victims of Hurricane Katrina and the recent
earthquake in South Asia. She also spoke about the need to
promote universal human rights and mentioned the legacy of
civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks, who died Monday at the age
of 92.
After dinner, Awad informed Secretary Rice about CAIR’s
announcement of a “Rosa Parks Civil Liberties Scholarship”
for students studying in fields that promote civil rights,
social justice and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
“These types of events represent a growing recognition
of the positive role Islamic teachings and American Muslims
can play in helping to promote peace and justice in this country
and around the world,” said Awad. “We appreciate
Secretary Rice’s efforts to reach out and dialogue with
American Muslim leaders.”
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