Tanzanian Association Oslo

Salaam za Eid El Fitr kutoka kwa

balozi wa Marekani nchini Tanzania

Hon. Alfonso E. Lenhardt Ambassador of

the United States of America to

the United Republic of Tanzania
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By Alfonso E. Lenhardt

Eid el-Fitr Message

The Holy Month of Ramadan is a time when Muslims around the world fast, pray, and do good deeds. It’s also a time for reflection and introspection, for charity, and for compassion. On behalf of the American People, I would like to wish all Muslims in Tanzania a happy Eid el-Fitr. This time of self-reflection reminds us that the values of Islam – charity, community, cooperation, compassion – are values which we hold dear as Americans and which have contributed so much to cultures around the world.

As Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said on September 7 during the Annual State Department Iftar celebration, the real story of Islam in America can be found across America. My nation is blessed with Muslims born in the United States as well as immigrants who arrived on our shores from throughout the world, including Tanzania.

Our commitment to religious tolerance goes back to the very beginning of our nation. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits the making of any law impeding the free exercise of religion and guarantees freedom of worship throughout the land. As President Barack Obama said during the White House Iftar dinner on August 13 of this year, the first Muslim ambassador to the United States, from Tunisia, was hosted by President Thomas Jefferson, who arranged a sunset dinner for his guest because it was Ramadan - making it the first known Iftar at the White House, more than 200 years ago.

I have been honored during my travels throughout this great nation of Tanzania to visit mosques, Muslim religious leaders, and communities to expand our friendship and cooperation. I have been very heartened to see the great harmony and patriotism among Tanzanians of all faiths. This is perhaps one of this nations' greatest achievements, symbolizing the name of one of its major cities - "haven of peace."

As Ramadan draws to a close, let us hold on to that spirit of community, so that all our children, regardless of where they were born or how they worship, can have that opportunity to become all that they are meant to be in the name of the Almighty, and in the furtherance of our common humanity.

Eid Mubarak.

Alfonso E. Lenhardt is the Ambassador of the United States of America to

the United Republic of Tanzania