Mrs. Roos and me with Shaikh Muhammad Akhtar from the Markaz Dawat Illallah Japan
Sept. 15 - Last week, Ambassador John V. Roos and his wife Susie invited over 100 friends to their residence to celebrate Iftar, the breaking of the fast during Ramadan. Thirty-three Ambassadors from Muslim countries and their spouses, along with several Imams and some Japanese friends, joined the celebration at the Ambassador's residence at 5:45 p.m.
After greeting the guests, the Ambassador introduced Dr. Salimur Khan, Imam from the Islamic Center Japan, who announced that the sun had set and we could break the fast. After a bowl of soup, dates and yogurt, the Imam from the Turkish mosque in Tokyo, Ensari Yenturk, invited the Muslim guests to pray. After the prayer we all enjoyed a wonderful dinner of Moroccan dishes including several tagine dishes. My favorite was pastilla, a pigeon pie flavored with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
Guests enjoying the buffet
It is estimated that there are between 2 million and 7 million Muslims in America. On their behalf, we wanted to acknowledge our Muslim friends in Tokyo by inviting them to this festive occasion. Ambassador Roos in his opening remarks pointed out that the American people share many values with Muslims, such as a desire for world peace and prosperity. In his reply, Ambassador Jean-Christian Obame from Gabon, the Dean of the Muslim Diplomatic Corps in Tokyo, thanked the Ambassador for his sincere remarks and warm hospitality.
On their departure, we provided each Ambassador with a calendar featuring art work by Muslim-American artists, and a video recording of President Obama's Ramadan greeting.
Until next time,
Jim
In Respect of His Excellency,
I am thankful to President Obama and to you and Mrs. Ambassador who started to extend hands towards the people of Islamic countries, especially Pakistanis. This I was praying for because I am a Pakistani education researcher in Japan and already extended professional relations with American friends who are keen to work with me for the establishment of an Islamic international school for Muslim children, and I was afraid that people of my country would oppose me. Since I saw this news, I got power that the America-Pakistan friendship is everlasting and God is helping us to come closer on the mass level. Thank you once again for the Iftar party. God bless everybody. God bless America, Barack Obama and His Excellency.
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