Biden shares message of support for American Muslims for Eid al-Adha

President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden marked Eid al-Adha with a message of support for Muslim Americans on Sunday.

Eid al-Adha is Islam’s second major holiday, generally consisting of prayer and a communal feast marking remembrance and sacrifice. It is also the most common time for the Hajj pilgrimage to the Islamic holy city of Mecca.

“Hajj and Eid al-Adha remind us of our equality before God and the importance of community and charity – values ​​that speak directly to the American character,” Biden said in a statement. “The United States is blessed to be home to millions of Muslim Americans who enrich our nation in countless ways, from medicine to technology, education, public service, the arts and more.”

The president also took the opportunity to comment on the Israel-Hamas war, which has increased tensions between Muslims and Jews in the US, with an increase in hate crimes against both groups in the last year.

“This year, Eid al-Adha comes at a difficult time for many Muslims around the world. In Gaza, innocent civilians suffer the horrors of the war between Hamas and Israel,” said Biden. “My administration is doing everything it can to end the war, release all hostages, provide humanitarian aid and work toward a future two-state solution, which I continue to believe is the only way to achieve lasting peace for the Palestinians. and Israelis.”

He also commented on the need to resolve conflicts in Sudan and to work against the persecution of Muslims in Myanmar and China.

“That’s why I’m committed to confronting the scourge of Islamophobia in America,” Biden said. “Hate has no place in America, whether it is directed at Muslim Americans, Arab Americans, including Palestinians, or anyone else.”

“In the spirit of Eid al-Adha, let us all renew our commitment to the values ​​that unite us – compassion, empathy and mutual respect – that are both American and Islamic,” he continued. “We look forward to welcoming home our American Muslim pilgrims who have earned the title of ‘Al-Hajj.’ To them and all Muslims around the world, we wish you a blessed and meaningful holiday. Eid Mubarak!”

This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story