As the crescent moon signals the start of Ramadan, President Joe Biden offered a message of solidarity to Muslims globally, emphasizing the United States' commitment to humanitarian aid and peace initiatives, especially for the Palestinian people amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. In the White House statement, Biden expressed his hope for reflection and renewal during the holy month and acknowledged the "immense pain" due to the war in Gaza that has led to more than 30,000 Palestinian civilian casualties.
In his address, the President noted the particularly poignant impact of the conflict on American Muslims, "some are family members of American Muslims, who are deeply grieving their lost loved ones today," highlighting the personal connections within the U.S. that lend the crisis a haunting immediacy, while nearly two million Palestinians have been displaced, their needs for basic necessities such as food and medicine grow more urgent by the day. Biden detailed the U.S.' efforts to provide support, which include establishing a temporary pier on the coast of Gaza and coordinating airdrops with Jordan, and a push to get Israel to open up more crossings for aid delivery, as per the White House statement.
Aligning with the administration's agenda, Biden also addressed domestic concerns, particularly the surge in Islamophobia against Muslim Americans. He announced the development of a National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Related Forms of Bias and Discrimination, stating unequivocally that "Islamophobia has absolutely no place in the United States, a country founded on freedom of worship." Biden declared his government's unwavering stance against discrimination while reaching out to the Muslim community in America, assuring them that they are "deeply valued members of our American family," as stated by the White House.
In the wake of communal strife and international turmoil, as Ramadan starts, President Biden's outreach to the Muslim community transcends borders and foregrounds common human values. "Being targeted at school, at work, on the street, or in their community because of their background or beliefs" is a fear he wishes no one should ever have to endure, underscoring the administration's commitment to a two-state solution and enduring peace in the Middle East. To conclude, the President extended his greetings to Muslims worldwide, wishing them a "safe, healthy, and blessed month," while affirming, "To those who are grieving during this time of war, I hear you, I see you, and I pray you find solace in your faith, family, and community." Ramadan kareem, according to the statement obtained by the White House.
