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<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="ppp.xsl"?>
<granule>
        
    <fdsys-metadata>
        <President>Barack Obama</President>
        <dateIssued>2010-07-01</dateIssued>
        <bookNumber>2</bookNumber>
        <printPageRange first="1824" last="1824"/>
    </fdsys-metadata>
    <item-head>
        Statement on the 
        
        Hajj and 
        
        Eid al-Adha
    </item-head>
        
    <item-date>
November 15, 2010</item-date>
        
    <para>
Michelle and I extend our greetings for a happy Eid al-Adha to Muslims worldwide and wish safe travels to those performing Hajj. This year, nearly 3 million pilgrims from more than 160 countries, including the United States, have gathered in Mecca and neighboring sites to perform the Hajj rituals and stand together in prayer.</para>
        
    <para>
        On 
        
        Eid, Muslims around the world will commemorate Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son and distribute food to those less fortunate, a reminder of the shared values and the common roots of three of the world's major religions.
    </para>
        
    <para>
        On behalf of the American people, we extend our best wishes during this 
        
        Hajj season. Eid Mubarak and Hajj Mabroor.
    </para>
    
</granule>
