[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E351]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              MUSLIM-AMERICAN HERITAGE APPRECIATION MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SUZANNE BONAMICI

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2023

  Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the celebration of Muslim-
American Heritage Appreciation Month, which the City of Beaverton, 
Oregon and its communities and community partners across Oregon 
recognized in March of 2023. I honor the many contributions of the more 
than 20,000 Muslim Americans in Beaverton and throughout the State of 
Oregon who have made many valuable contributions to the city and 
community. The Muslim community in Oregon compromises different races 
and ethnicities and includes those both in the United States and those 
who immigrated from all over the world. Muslim-American Heritage 
Appreciation Month is an opportunity to spread awareness of the many 
facets of the Muslim Community and to condemn the islamophobia they 
have faced.
  The month of March also includes the holy month of Ramadan on the 
Islamic lunar calendar, where observing Muslims fast from sunrise to 
sunset for 30 days starting March 22nd and concluding the evening of 
April 21st. At the end of this holy time, Muslims celebrate Eid Al-
Fitr, one of the most significant holidays of the year.
  I celebrate the many community events that were held throughout this 
month, including cultural night dinners, Ramadan food box distribution, 
toy drives for refugee foster youth, and Iftar community meals. I also 
recognize the many contributions of community organizations that have 
built this effort. Some include Cool Islam, which offers youth 
programming, toy drives, and assistance to help children learn about 
being Muslim; and The Islamic Society of Greater Portland, which works 
to develop continuing relationships in the greater community and 
confront the islamophobia that Muslim people living in the United 
States face too often.
  I appreciate the dedication of these organizations and community 
partners and join with them in honoring the contributions of Muslim 
Americans in the Beaverton community as we recognize March 2023 as 
Muslim-American Heritage Month.

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