President Obama hosted an Iftar dinner Monday night to mark Ramadan, and invited guests to break their fast at the White House. The Iftar is the evening meal after sunset that concludes the daily fasting during the month of Ramadan.
The dinner was President Obama’s 7th Iftar celebration at the White House, and the President used the occasion to put a special focus on young leaders and women helping communities across the nation, according to the White House:
“President Obama recognized several young Muslim Americans who were making an impact here in the U.S. and around the world. He applauded Samantha Elauf, who was determined to defend her right to wear a hijab on the job. She took her case all the way to the Supreme Court and won. He cheered Zaid Ahmed, a 16-year-old who founded Redefy, a website that pushes back against harmful stereotypes. He recognized 27 year old Wai Wai Nu, a former political prisoner who is working on human rights issues for the Rohingya and equal rights for women.”
