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Embassy Consular Chief Anne Simon (center in blue) with guests at the Embassy’s 2007 Ramadan reception.
U.S. Embassy Celebrates Ramadan with Cambodia’s Muslim Community
Phnom Penh
September 13 – October 12, 2007
The holy month of Ramadan, a season of introspection and celebration, began on September 13, and the U.S. Embassy commemorated the season with several public diplomacy events, including a special guest appearance by Ambassador Mussomeli on Radio Sap Cham (Voice of Cham Radio) and an iftar reception at the Ambassador’s residence on September 28. In 2007 Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a special break-the-fast meal, on October 12.
During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours and break their fast at nightly iftar dinners at sunset. Iftar dinners are often community gatherings at which Muslims invite family and friends to join in a festive meal. More than 150 guests joined the iftar reception hosted by Ambassador and Mrs. Mussomeli at their home. It was a time for renewing old acquaintances and making new friends. There was also a special presentation of photos from the Embassy’s Muslim outreach events during the past year, and guests received complimentary copies of the publication Muslim Life in America.
In his remarks, Ambassador Mussomeli noted that each Ramadan he spends time reading the Koran, and since this was his third Ramadan in Cambodia, he decided to re-read the Third Sura, which is called al-Imran, named after the father of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Ambassador recounted how the first part is devoted almost entirely to what Christians call the "Christmas Story," and he stated, "How amazing to find such a lovely, enjoyable version of Christ’s birth in the Koran." He continued, "I mention these things because too often there are many misunderstandings between good Christians and good Muslims and other good people of other religions. We sometimes dwell so much on what separates us that we forget all that we have in common."
Earlier in the week, Ambassador Mussomeli also made a guest appearance on Radio Sap Cham, which receives support for its programming from the U.S. Embassy. During the interview, Ambassador Mussomeli stated that Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the United States today, and he described how Muslims typically celebrate Ramadan in the U.S. According to one recent survey, there are 1,209 mosques in America, well over half founded in the last 20 years. Between 17 and 30 percent of American Muslims are converts to the faith.
Radio Sap Cham also broadcast President Bush’s 2007 Ramadan greeting in which the President states, "America is a land of many faiths, and our society is enriched by our Muslim citizens. May the holy days of Ramadan remind us all to seek a culture of compassion and serve others in charity."
