Statement from President Donald J. Trump on Ramadan
Washington, DC: On behalf of the American people, I would like to wish all Muslims a joyful Ramadan.
During this month of fasting from dawn to dusk, many Muslims in America and around the world will find meaning and inspiration in acts of charity and meditation that strengthen our communities. At its core, the spirit of Ramadan strengthens awareness of our shared obligation to reject violence, to pursue peace, and to give to those in need who are suffering from poverty or conflict.
This year, the holiday begins as the world mourns the innocent victims of barbaric terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom and Egypt, acts of depravity that are directly contrary to the spirit of Ramadan. Such acts only steel our resolve to defeat the terrorists and their perverted ideology.
On my recent visit to Saudi Arabia, I had the honor of meeting with the leaders of more than 50 Muslim nations. There, in the land of the two holiest sites in the Muslim world, we gathered to deliver together an emphatic message of partnership for the sake of peace, security, and prosperity for our countries and for the world.
I reiterate my message delivered in Riyadh: America will always stand with our partners against terrorism and the ideology that fuels it. During this month of Ramadan, let us be resolved to spare no measure so that we may ensure that future generations will be free of this scourge and able to worship and commune in peace.
I extend my best wishes to Muslims everywhere for a blessed month as you observe the Ramadan traditions of charity, fasting, and prayer. May God bless you and your families.
Crowdfunding for Portland Stabbing Victims: Standing Together against Hate
By Erin Hobey
At this writing (May 29, 2017 @ 6:27 am), donation-based crowdfunding campaigns LaunchGood and GoFundMe have raised more than a combined $700,000 from over 15,000 people for the three men who stood up for two Muslim women being harassed by Jeremy Joseph Christian.
Christian killed Ricky John Best, 53, and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai Meche, 23. A third victim, Micah David-Cole Fletcher, 21, was being treated for serious injuries, but the police indicated that his wounds were not considered life-threatening. The New York Times reported:
“[T]he Portland police said the attacker, who was identified as Jeremy Joseph Christian, 35, of North Portland, Ore., had been booked into the Multnomah County Jail on charges that included two counts of aggravated murder. The police also said Mr Christian will be arraigned on Tuesday and could face additional charges.
‘The episode began on Friday when the three men were attacked on a Portland commuter train as they tried to calm Mr Christian, who, the police said, was ranting and talking disparagingly about the women, one wearing a hijab. The police added that the two women, who were not injured, left the scene and were later identified and contacted by investigators.”
Funding from LaunchGood’s Muslims Unite for Portland Heroes which is co-managed by directors of two 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, Wajdi Said of the Muslim Education Trust (MET) and Tarek El-Messidi of CelebrateMercy, will help with the immediate, short-term needs of the grieving families, including funeral expenses, according to the campaign. If needed, funds will also help with the medical bills of Micah David-Cole Fletcher (who is currently hospitalized). After all immediate expenses such as funerals are covered, extra funds will go toward long-term expenses of the families, including Best’s wife and four children. All proceeds from this campaign will be collected by CelebrateMercy and distributed to the families locally by MET. Donations are tax-exempt. In two days more than $373,300 has been raised by over 7,596 people toward the $400K campaign goal.
Last year Tarek El-Messidi also synced with LaunchGood to organize crowdfunding efforts in San Bernardino on behalf of CelebrateMercy. – Crowdfund Insider
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