U.S. President Barack Obama has hosted an Iftar dinner at the White House, welcoming guests including diplomats, administration officials and U.S. lawmakers to the evening meal when Muslims break their daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
Obama used the event on August 10 to recognize Muslim survivors of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, in which Al-Qaeda operatives hijacked airliners to strike targets in New York City and Washington.
With the 10th anniversary of the attacks coming in one month, Obama said now is a good time to remember that people of many backgrounds were among some 3,000 people "of many faiths and backgrounds" were killed in the attacks, "proud and patriotic Muslim Americans."
Obama has hosted an Iftar dinner each year since he took office in 2009. His predecessor, George W. Bush, also hosted annual Iftar events.
compiled from agency reports
Obama used the event on August 10 to recognize Muslim survivors of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, in which Al-Qaeda operatives hijacked airliners to strike targets in New York City and Washington.
With the 10th anniversary of the attacks coming in one month, Obama said now is a good time to remember that people of many backgrounds were among some 3,000 people "of many faiths and backgrounds" were killed in the attacks, "proud and patriotic Muslim Americans."
Obama has hosted an Iftar dinner each year since he took office in 2009. His predecessor, George W. Bush, also hosted annual Iftar events.
compiled from agency reports
