    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [October 4, 2007]
    [Pages 1279-1280]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the Iftaar Dinner
    October 4, 2007

        Thank you all for coming. Please be seated. Ramadan Mubarak.
    Laura and I are pleased to have you here for our
    seventh Iftaar dinner. Tonight we celebrate traditions of Islamic faith,
    which brings hope and comfort to more than a billion people. For Muslims
    around the world, the holy month of Ramadan is a special time of prayer
    and fasting. It is a time for charity and service to those less
    fortunate. It's a time to celebrate Islam's learned and vibrant culture,
    which has enriched civilization for centuries.
        Ramadan is also a good time for Americans of all faiths to reflect
    on the values we hold in common, including love of family, gratitude to
    the Almighty, devotion to community, and a commitment to religious
    liberty. The freedom of worship is central to the American character.
    It's the first protection in the Bill of Rights. It holds together the
    fabric of American society, supporting every individual's right to
    practice his or her beliefs without fear.
        Today, our world is at war with violent extremists who seek to tear
    the fabric of our society and stop the advance of freedom in Muslim
    societies around the world. They attack holy sites, destroy mosques and
    minarets, and kill innocent men, women, and children, including Muslims
    who do not share their radical views. They believe that by spreading
    chaos and violence they can frustrate the desire of Muslims to live in
    freedom and peace. We say to them, you don't represent Muslims, you do
    not represent Islam, and you will not succeed.
        America is standing with mainstream citizens across the broader
    Middle East. We stand with nearly 12 million Iraqis who voted for a
    democratic future for their children. We're standing with Afghan people
    as they defend their young democracy against the Taliban and Al Qaida.
    We're standing with the Lebanese people, who raised the banner of a
    Cedar Revolution to reclaim their freedom and independence. We're
    standing with all who seek the blessings of liberty and the peace that
    freedom brings.
        Americans have a history of standing with Muslims facing suffering
    and hardship, and it's a proud history. Our country defended Muslims in
    Bosnia and Kosovo after the breakup of Yugoslavia. We supported Kuwait
    after it was invaded by Saddam Hussein. Americans came to the aid of
    victims of devastating earthquakes in Pakistan, India, and Iran.
    Americans responded with urgency and compassion to the wreckage of the
    tsunami in Indonesia and Sri Lanka and Thailand. We're rallying the
    world to confront the genocide in Sudan and deliver humanitarian aid for
    those in dire need. And we support the establishment of a Palestinian
    democracy to live side by side with Israel in peace.
        As you break your Ramadan fast at this Iftaar dinner, let us renew
    our faith in the universality of freedom. Let us celebrate the millions
    of Muslims that we are proud to call American citizens. And let us honor
    the many Muslim nations that America is proud to call friends.
        Laura and I are grateful you're here. Thank
    you for coming. We wish you a blessed Ramadan. And now I ask the
    Imam to say the blessing.

    Note: The President spoke at 7:16 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the
    White House. In his remarks, he referred to Lt. Cmdr. Abuhena M.
    Saifulislam, USN, Navy Chaplain Corps.

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