Advertisement Close

People are wondering if the White House will host an iftar this year

posted on: May 22, 2017

Source: Wikipedia

By: Leyal KhalifeSource: Stepfeed

Every year, since 1996, the White House – the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States – has hosted a reception to celebrate the month of Ramadan … but people are wondering if the annual tradition will now be dropped.

Why?

Because of U.S. President Donald Trump’s anti-Islam rhetoric.

Approximately 3.3 million Muslims live in the United States, but Trump has continuously called for a (now frozen) Muslim ban – blocking Muslims from 7 Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S.

Trump has also expressed concern over a “Muslim problem” which he believes exists.

So … will he actually welcome Ramadan with the 3.3 million Muslims living in the United States? Or will the 20-year-plus annual tradition cease to exist?

The annual feast during the holy month first started in 1996 when Hillary Clinton hosted a Eid celebration dinner.

But, the first documented White House iftar happened more than 200 years ago.

In 1805, President Thomas Jefferson hosted Sidi Slimane Mhlmyla, the Tunisian envoy, during the holy month. After learning that Mhlmyla was fasting, Jefferson arranged for food to be ready exactly at sunset as the two met.

Last Ramadan, Obama welcomed the holy month with a statement that united Muslims and non-Muslims.

“As Muslim Americans celebrate the holy month, I am reminded that we are one American family,” Barack Obama said in a statement commemorating the start of Ramadan in 2016.

So, will Trump actually go ahead with the annual feast? And if he does, what would it entail?

Exhibit 1: Trump may actually host an iftar for his “Muslim friends”

The U.S. president-elect has consistently taken a xenophobic stance against Muslims, but he has also publicly praised them on many occasions … leaving us a bit confused.

Trump chose Saudi Arabia as his first official overseas trip since taking office. But, it goes beyond this public event.

Trump and Egypt’s President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi have shared some intense bromance moments, too.

So … if he decides to go ahead with the dinner, there’s no worry that it’ll be a one-man-show.

Source: StepFeed

Exhibit 2: Hummus and carrots will have to be served as “mezze”

Exhibit 3: Falafel will be the main dish served

That could quickly escalate to an entire speech on “falafel”

But, some people genuinely think Trump will “accidentally” host a Ramadan brunch instead

Others want to know if they can attend … if an iftar were to take place

But honestly … “it’s going to be uuugeeee”

This is how Trump will welcome those invited

Of course, Trump won’t shy away from a “head-start” iftar. No, he won’t wait for everybody else