WASHINGTON, 19 December — US President George W. Bush met on Monday with 20 Muslim-American children for Eid Al-Fitr, all under the age of eight, to celebrate the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
In his remarks, the president recognized Eid as time of happiness for Muslims worldwide. "It reminds us of how much we all have in common, how similar boys and girls are, no matter what their religion may be…Eid is a time of joy after a season of fasting and prayer and reflection," said President Bush. "Each year, the end of Ramadan means celebration and thanksgiving for millions of Americans. And your joy during this season enriches the life of our great country."
"This year, Eid is celebrated at the same time as Hanukkah and Advent, so it’s a good time for people of these great faiths, Islam, Judaism and Christianity, to remember how much we have in common: Devotion to family, commitment to care for those in need, a belief in God and His justice, and the hope for peace on Earth."
The president reiterated his respect for the Muslim faith and said Monday’s gathering was a reaffirmation that Muslims share the grief American experienced on Sept. 11, and its concerns for the people of Afghanistan. "The people of Afghanistan have suffered so much, and we’re committed to helping them in their time of hardship and their time of need," he said.
"These are challenging days for our nation, but holidays like this remind us about how much we have to be thankful for… People of every faith are welcome here in the people’s house. People of every background are welcome to come here to the White House," said the president.
After delivering his Eid greetings, President Bush gathered the children around him and asked what they did during Ramadan and where they went to celebrate Eid. One young boy said he had gone to the mosque. When the president asked him what he had prayed for, the boy did not hesitate: "Peace," he said.
It was at this time that the president asked Alexandria Hudom, 3, who had been stealing the show by prancing in front on the photojournalists, what she had done. Shyness overtook her — but the president knew how to turn a potential distraction into a positive focus — and invited her over to tell him, she did not hesitate. The limelight was now back on the president — with little Alexandria by his side.
The president then read a poem from the book, "We are Muslim Children" by Saida Chaudhry, which many of the children told the president they have copies of at home.
The poem began: "Allah cares for children, who care for each other…"
The children "represented all ethnicities — there were Afghani, Arab, Pakistani, Indian and African American children at the event," said Samah Alrayyes, director of communications at the Washington-based Islamic Institute, which helped the White House organize the gathering.
"The White House told us they wanted to do something special for Eid, and we thought the perfect message would come through the children."
Alrayyes said the White House has actively wanted to show Muslims that the president recognizes and respects their faith.
"They are really doing a lot to send the message that being an American includes everyone, especially after what happened on Sept. 11 and the war in Afghanistan," said Alrayyes. "The White House is making an effort to send this message to the American public."
