Barack Obama parties at the White House

August 18, 2010

US President Barack Obama hosts numerous parties at his home throughout the year, the most recent being an Iftaar party, during which he highlighted the role of faith in the lives of Americans and the tradition of celebrating all festivals, including Diwali.

The Iftaar was first held at the White House over 200 years ago by President Jefferson, in honour of the first Muslim ambassador to the United States, from Tunisia, as it was Ramadan.

Obama said, “Here at the White House, we have a tradition of hosting iftaars that goes back several years, just as we host Christmas parties, seders and Diwali celebrations.”

“These events celebrate the role of faith in the lives of the American people. They remind us of the basic truth that we are all children of God, and we all draw strength and a sense of purpose from our beliefs.

“In my inaugural address, I said that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth,” Obama added.