US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden extended their greetings on the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr, restoring celebrations of the Muslim festival at the White House after his predecessor scrapped them. Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan after the moon is sighted, is being celebrated by the Muslim community around the globe.
“As Muslims in the United States and around the world conclude the month of Ramazan and celebrate Eid-al-Fitr, Jill and I extend our warmest wishes to all who are celebrating this joyous occasion,” said Biden in a statement.
“This year, as we mark Eid-al-Fitr, we hold in our hearts the millions of displaced persons and refugees around the globe who are spending this sacred holiday separated from their families and unsure of their future, but still hoping for a brighter tomorrow,” the statement read.
Biden, addressing hundreds of attendees in the East Room, said he had promised as a presidential candidate to bring back Eid-al-Fitr celebrations at the White House. He was forced to hold a virtual celebration last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.