President Obama extends Aidilfitri greetings to Muslims

United States President Barack Obama and wife Michelle today extended Aidilfitri greetings to Muslims around the world. In a press statement issued by the Office of the Press Secretary of the White House, Obama said that during the past month, Muslims had honoured their faith though prayer and service, fasting and time spent with loved ones. "Michelle and I send our warmest greetings to Muslims celebrating Eid-al-Fitr (Aidilfitri) in the United States and around the world. "For millions of Americans, Eid is part of a great tapestry of America's many traditions, and I wish all Muslims a blessed and joyful celebration. Eid Mubarak," said Obama. He said that at this year's White House Iftar (breaking-of-fast), he was proud to spend time with some of the many American Muslims whose contributions had enriched America's democracy and strengthened its economy. "Many of us have had the opportunity to break fast with our Muslim friends and colleagues - a tradition that reminds us to be grateful for our blessings and to show compassion to the less fortunate among us, including millions of Syrians who spent Ramadan displaced from their homes, their families, and their loved ones," he said. Obama said that to help the many Syrians in need this Aidilfitri, America was providing an additional US$195 million (RM643.6 million) in food aid and other humanitarian aid, bringing the United States contribution to the Syrian people to over US$1 billion (RM3.25 billion) since the crisis began.