The year after Islamic terrorists bombed the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in 2001, killing more than 3,000 people, President George W. Bush held a dinner at the White House to celebrate the end of Ramadan, Islam’s holiest month. He praised Islam as “a religion of peace” and called upon all to celebrate.
The annual tradition actually stretches back to Bill Clinton — 20 years in all — but on Sunday, that ended.
President Trump, who stayed over at the White House for the weekend, did not hold an iftar dinner to commemorate Ramadan. Instead, he issued a statement Saturday morning to celebrate the occasion, which marks the end of the holy month.
“On behalf of the American people,” President Trump said in the statement, “Melania and I send our warm greetings to Muslims as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr.”
Over the years, the dinners, attended by leaders of the Muslim community, foreign diplomats and members of Congress, have grown odd, given the nonstop Islamic violence spreading across the world. Ramadan brings even more terror as Muslim attackers are seen as martyrs during Ramadan, and supposedly win greater rewards in the afterlife.
And 2017 set a new record for terror attacks during Ramadan, which ran from May 26 to June 24. There were 174 Islamic terror attacks that left 1,595 people dead and 1,960 wounded, reports Religion of Peace.
“Once again, it was a Ramadan to Remember! As religions go, Islam smoked the competition yet again. Innocent people were beheaded for not knowing the Quran … children machine-gunned for being Christian … yet not a single attack (that we could find) in the name of another religion during the ‘holy’ month,” said the site, which keeps close track of attacks by Muslims.
And Trump’s message on Saturday also sounded odd, given the surge in attacks this month, including two horrifying attacks in London.
“Muslims in the United States joined those around the world during the holy month of Ramadan to focus on acts of faith and charity,” Trump said. (Well, and acts of terror.)
“During this holiday, we are reminded of the importance of mercy, compassion, and goodwill.” (Well, not mercy, so much.)
“With Muslims around the world, the United States renews our commitment to honor these values.” (Uh, it’s kinda’ one-sided right now.)
Trump concluded the statement with the traditional Muslim greeting “Eid Mubarak” which means “blessed celebration.”
Just not at the White House — the People’s House.