Ambassador Susman's Remarks at Eid Al-Fitr

06 September 2012

Winfield House,
London

(As prepared for delivery)

Ambassador Susman:  With the Holy Month of Ramadan at an end, my wife Marjorie and I are delighted to celebrate Eid with so many distinguished British Muslims here at Winfield House.

This is such a joyous occasion, one we always look forward to - and we thank you so much for coming.

As you know, Ramadan this year was observed during the Olympics.

Teams representing more than 200 countries participated.

This diversity was reflected in Team GB and Team USA, whose competitors were drawn from every community, every race, every background, and every faith.

As, I should note, were the supporters and volunteers who helped make the Games such a success.

Right from the original and captivating Opening Ceremony, London 2012 was undoubtedly a celebration of modern, multicultural Britain.

And the Games brought the United Kingdom together in a truly unique way.

This sense of unity was captured brilliantly by the inspired idea of “Iftar 2012” that gave everyone – of all faiths and none - the chance to share in one of Islam’s most cherished rituals.

But I know that every day - up and down the country - those of you here this evening are bringing communities together to create greater understanding and to foster mutual respect.

In this endeavor, you have reached out to us at the Embassy, and we have reached out to you – and we have formed an effective and important partnership.

For example, by helping young Muslim entrepreneurs succeed in business by partnering with Muslim Youth Helpline for the Aspire Higher competition; or by offering young Muslim politicians an insight into American politics during an exchange program.

I believe that with the challenges of today probably greater than ever before, we need to keep alive this spirit of cooperation and face the future together.

That will require us to draw on those features shared by all faiths: a belief in peace and responsibility; the conviction to lead a good and just life; a commitment to family; and compassion for those less fortunate.

So at this time of deep reflection, let us remind ourselves once again how much we have in common.

Because only by working collectively, in a spirit of mutual respect, will we build a more peaceful, stable and prosperous future for all.

I’d like to close on a personal note as this may be my final Eid celebration as United States Ambassador to the Court of St. James’.

For Marjorie and I, this has been – and remains - such an important event, which not only celebrates the end of Ramadan but also reminds us of our shared spirituality and the diversity that so enriches our societies.

Not long after our arrival in the UK three years ago, we held an Iftar here at Winfield House.  It was one of our first official engagements.

I made clear then that under President Obama, America sought a new beginning with Muslims around the world.

Pursuant to that pledge, I have looked constantly to promote dialogue and frank exchange between us.

I have traveled to all parts of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, and I have listened and I have learned.

And through this interaction, I discovered how Muslims play a significant part in the daily life of this country: in business, education, the NHS, the Armed Forces, the arts, politics, and sport – to name just a few.

Above all, I found that we share common aspirations.

So I hope you agree that in the last few years we have – by working together - built greater trust and friendship between us.

In that spirit, and at this time of peace and celebration, I wish you and your families joy and happiness in the years ahead.

Thank you.  And may God’s peace be upon you.