On Sunday, President Biden and First Lady Joe Biden sent a message of solidarity to American Muslims celebrating Eid al-Adha.
Eid al-Adha is Islam’s second major festival, which typically consists of prayer and a community feast commemorating remembering and sacrifice. It is also the most popular period for the Hajj pilgrimage to the Islamic holy city of Mecca.
“The 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 stated in a press release.
“The United States is blessed to be home to millions of American Muslims who enrich our nation in countless ways, from medicine to technology, education, public service, the arts, and beyond.”
The president also used the opportunity to address the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has heightened tensions between Muslims and Jews in the United States, with hate crimes against both groups growing in the previous year.
“This year, Eid al-Adha falls at a tough moment for many Muslims throughout the globe. “In Gaza, innocent civilians are suffering the horrors of the war between Hamas and Israel,” Biden said.
“My Administration is doing everything we can to bring an end to the war, free all hostages, deliver humanitarian relief, and work toward a future two-state solution, which I continue to believe is the only way to achieve a lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis.”
He also emphasized the need of resolving disputes in Sudan and working to combat Muslim persecution in Myanmar and China.
“That’s why I’m committed to addressing the scourge of Islamophobia in the United States,” Biden said. “Hate has no place in America, whether it is targeted at American Muslims, Arab Americans including Palestinians, or anyone else.”
“In the spirit of Eid al-Adha, let us all renew our commitment to values that unite us — compassion, empathy, and mutual respect — which are both American and Islamic,” he said.
“We are excited to welcome home our American Muslim pilgrims who have earned the title ‘Al-Hajj.'” To them and all Muslims worldwide, we wish you a pleasant and memorable holiday. Eid Mubarak!”