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In his message, the President stated that, “all of these efforts are a part of America’s commitment to engage Muslims and Muslim-majority nations on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect ..."
U.S. Embassy Celebrates Ramadan with the Cambodian Muslim Community
Kampong Cham and Phnom Penh
September 10 and 14, 2009
The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh celebrated Ramadan with over 160 Cham and Kan Imam San Cambodian Muslims at two Iftars; one in Kampong Cham on September 10th, and the second at the Ambassadors residence on September 14th. The Iftars, a term given to the evening meal in which Muslims break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan, were hosted by the U.S. Embassy in the spirit of understanding, cooperation and friendship. Both dinners were attended by over 150 leaders of the Muslim community including Imams, heads of Madrassas and religious teachers known as “Toan” in Khmer.
At both Iftars after guests gathered the Maghreb prayer was delivered by an Imam at sundown and the U.S. Ambassador delivered her welcome address. In addition the President’s Ramadan address (dubbed into Khmer) was shown to both before the halal meal was served. In his message, the President stated that, “all of these efforts are a part of America’s commitment to engage Muslims and Muslim-majority nations on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect. And at this time of renewal, I want to reiterate my commitment to a new beginning between America and Muslims around the world.”
At both the Iftars in Kampong Cham and Phnom Penh, leaders from the United States and Cambodia echoed the President’s sentiments. In his speech at the Iftar in Phnom Penh, Zakarya Adam, Parliamentarian and Deputy Mufti, stated that, “we feel that this special meal hosted by the Ambassador not only offers good food, but also offers us friendship and deepens the relationship among our peoples regardless of our religious beliefs.”
During the Iftar in Kampong Cham, the U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, Carol A. Rodley, expounded on the Presidents message by saying that, “As you have heard, the President has encouraged us to start, and in some cases continue, the conversation that we are having with Muslim communities throughout the world. This conversation is why we are here tonight. We believe that in order to better understand the Cham community we need listen to your concerns.” This is the fourth year in a row the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh has celebrated Ramadan with the Muslim community in Cambodia.
