WASHINGTON: American Muslims, expressing indignation at President Joe Biden’s backing of Israel, declare their intention to boycott this year’s White House Ramadan and Eid observances, as they persist in urging the administration to advocate for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Voice of America reported on Tuesday.
Should an invitation be extended, it is widely acknowledged that leaders and organizations within the American Muslim community will respectfully decline, according to Robert McCaw, the Director of the Government Affairs Department at the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
“This stance stems from the administration’s failure to address the Muslim community’s calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire,” McCaw was quoted as saying in VOA. “Furthermore, it reflects the administration’s refusal to cease supplying arms to Israel, which are implicated in what we view as a genocide against our Palestinian brethren and sisters in Gaza.”
While there have been reports suggesting a potential reduction in White House Ramadan events, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified during a press briefing that no celebrations tied to the holy month have been confirmed.
“We recognize that this is a painful period for many communities,” Jean-Pierre stated to VOA on Monday. She emphasized that senior White House officials have engaged in discussions with members of Arab, Muslim, and Palestinian communities to listen to their perspectives and concerns.
While continuing the longstanding tradition of hosting Muslim community leaders initiated by President Bill Clinton in 1996, presidents from both parties have held iftar dinners during Ramadan or receptions for Eid al-Fitr to commemorate the end of fasting.
However, this year, aside from potentially facing a substantial boycott, the White House would likely seek to avoid scenarios where President Biden is confronted and disrupted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators, as has occurred at his campaign events nationwide.
