In a surprising turn of events, the White House has opted to cancel its traditional yearly iftar banquet, a longstanding tradition symbolizing unity and inclusivity during the holy month of Ramadan. Typically, this event brings together Muslims in government, community leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps to share in a meal after a day of fasting.
The decision to cancel the banquet comes after many Muslim Americans declined the invitation in protest of President Biden’s perceived support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. This move highlights the deep divisions and tensions within the Muslim community regarding Biden’s Gaza war policy.
Edward Ahmed Mitchell, the deputy director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, condemned the White House’s stance, stating, “The American Muslim community said very early on that it would be completely unacceptable for us to break bread with the very same White House that is enabling the Israeli government to starve and slaughter the Palestinian people in Gaza.”
Initially, plans were in place for a scaled-back iftar dinner, as reported by CNN on Monday. However, hours later, the White House backtracked, announcing only a smaller meal for Muslim government staffers and a separate meeting for Muslim community leaders.
Even this revised arrangement faced disruptions, with a Palestinian American doctor walking out in protest during the meeting with the president. The cancellation of the iftar banquet underscores the deep divisions and tensions surrounding President Biden’s Gaza war policy within the Muslim community and beyond.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
