Biden Administration Uses More Words In Statements About Passover Than About Ramadan And Eid al-Fitr. Another Moment To Reinforce For Muslims That Biden Administration Values Jews More Than Muslims
Words, And The Number Of Words, Matter.
499, 323, 252
Biden-Harris Administration Uses More Words In Statements About Passover Than In Statements About Ramadan And Eid al-Fitr.
Another Moment To Reinforce For Muslims That The Biden-Harris Administration Values Jews More Than Muslims.
The White House
Washington DC
21 April 2024
Statement from President Joe Biden on Passover (499 Words)
Tomorrow night, Jews around the world will celebrate Passover, recounting their miraculous Exodus story from hundreds of years of enslavement in Egypt and their journey to freedom. This holiday reminds us of a profound and powerful truth: that even in the face of persecution, if we hold on to faith, we shall endure and overcome.
As Jews mark Passover with storytelling, songs, and rituals, they will also read from the Haggadah how, in every generation, they have been targeted by those who would seek to destroy them. This year, those words carry deeper resonance and pain in the wake of Hamas’ unspeakable evil on October 7th – the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. More than 1,200 people were brutally massacred. Women and girls were subjected to appalling sexual violence. More than 250 innocents were taken hostage, including Americans. We can never forget the horror of Hamas’ despicable atrocities.
Jews around the world are still coping with the trauma of that day and its aftermath. This Passover falls particularly hard on hostage families trying to honor the spirit of the holiday – a story centered on freedom – while their loved ones remain in captivity. Our hearts are with all the victims, survivors, families, and friends whose loved ones have been killed, taken hostage, wounded, displaced, or are in harm’s way.
My commitment to the safety of the Jewish people, the security of Israel, and its right to exist as an independent Jewish state is ironclad. My Administration is working around the clock to free the hostages, and we will not rest until we bring them home. We are also working to establish an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in Gaza as a part of a deal that releases the hostages and delivers desperately needed humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians. We will continue to work toward a two-state solution that provides equal security, prosperity, and enduring peace for Israelis and Palestinians. And we are leading international efforts to ensure Israel can defend itself against Iran and its proxies, including by directing the U.S. military to help defend Israel against Iran’s unprecedented attacks last weekend.
The ancient story of persecution against Jews in the Haggadah also reminds us that we must speak out against the alarming surge of Antisemitism – in our schools, communities, and online. Silence is complicity. Even in recent days, we’ve seen harassment and calls for violence against Jews. This blatant Antisemitism is reprehensible and dangerous – and it has absolutely no place on college campuses, or anywhere in our country. My Administration will continue to speak out and aggressively implement the first-ever National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, putting the full force of the federal government behind protecting the Jewish community.
This year, let us remember the central Passover theme that even in the darkest of times, the promise of God’s protection will give us strength to find hope, resilience, and redemption. To all those celebrating this Festival of Freedom: Jill and I wish you a Happy Passover, Chag Sameach.
The White House
Washington DC
21 April 2024
Statement by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on the Occasion of Eid al-Fitr (323 Words)
As Muslims in the United States and around the world conclude the month of Ramadan and celebrate Eid al-Fitr, Jill and I extend our warmest wishes to all who are celebrating this joyous occasion.
Eid marks the completion of a holy month dedicated to devotion and reflection, when families and communities come together to celebrate their blessings. And Eid is also an occasion for Muslims to remember all those who are struggling or impacted by poverty, hunger, conflict, and disease, and to recommit to building a better future for all.
This year, as we mark Eid al-Fitr, we hold in our hearts the millions of displaced persons and refugees around the globe who are spending this sacred holiday separated from their families and unsure of their future, but still hoping for a brighter tomorrow. As a nation we must always keep faith with those seeking a better life, and uphold our commitment to serving as a beacon of hope for oppressed people around the world. And, Muslims across the United States celebrate Eid, let us renew our dedication to our foundational commitment to respecting all faiths and beliefs.
The Holy Qur’an urges people to stand firmly for justice and reminds us that we were created as nations and tribes so that we may get to know one another. The tradition of religious freedom for all strengthens our country, and we will continue to work with Americans of all beliefs and backgrounds to safeguard and deepen our collective commitment to this fundamental principle. This year, we will resume the tradition of celebrating Eid at the White House, and of honoring the inspiring Muslim Americans who are leading efforts to build greater understanding and unity across our nation.
To all those celebrating, Jill and I wish you and your loved ones a Happy Eid. May the spirit of community, compassion, and service we have witnessed over the last month continue throughout the year. Eid Mubarak!
The White House
Washington DC
21 April 2024
Statement from President Joe Biden on the Occasion of Ramadan (252 Words)
Today, Jill and I extend our best wishes to Muslim communities across the country and around the world as they begin the Islamic holy month of Ramadan—a time of fasting, renewal, charity, worship, and growth.
During this sacred time of reflection, the United States also reaffirms our support to Muslim communities suffering hardships and devastation. We will continue to stand with the people of Turkiye and Syria—who have lost many loved ones during the recent devastating earthquakes—and with the people of Pakistan, who are rebuilding their lives following last summer’s floods. Today especially, we remember the universal human right to practice, pray, and preach our faiths peacefully and openly. And together with our partners, the United States stands in solidarity with Muslims who continue to face oppression—including Uyghurs in the People’s Republic of China, Rohingya in Burma, and other Muslim communities facing persecution around the world.
During this holy month, we also honor Muslim communities across our nation that have been part of the American story since our founding. From science and technology, to arts and academia, to law and medicine, to business and government, and beyond—Muslim Americans continue to strengthen our nation’s diverse tapestry generation after generation. So today, let us join together across cultures and faiths and renew our commitment to creating a more equal, more just, more tolerant, and more compassionate nation.
To my fellow Americans observing Ramadan, and to Muslims around the world: Ramadan Kareem—we wish you a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.
