The American Embassy Joins with Students to Celebrate Iftaar

Members of the U.S. Embassy, led by Charge d’Affaires Todd Chapman, joined with 750 students, parents, and guests of the Escola Da Comunidade Maometana in Maputo for an Iftaar dinner on September 18.

In a slight break from the previous tradition of the Mission hosting Iftaar dinners during Ramadan, the embassy chose this year to reach out to a younger generation of Mozambicans during this time of prayer and fasting for the country’s Islamic community.  Just before breaking the fast, Charge Chapman spoke to the assembled students, welcoming this opportunity to interact with them and expressing his wishes for a blessed Ramadan.

In his remarks, the Charge noted that more than six million Muslims in the United States were joining in the celebration of Ramadan.  The United States, he said, was founded on the principle of religious freedom, a sentiment that is deeply ingrained into the fabric of American society.   Like Mozambique, the United States is a nation of many religions and a history of tolerance for all faiths.

Chapman also quoted from remarks made by President Barack Obama in Cairo in June, where he said:    “Let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations – to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.”

In closing, he encouraged all Mozambicans, in the spirit of Ramadan, to embrace the concepts of peace, unity, and brotherhood.