Biden shares a message of support to American Muslims for Eid al-Adha

President Biden and first lady Jill Biden marked Eid al-Adha with a message of support for American Muslims on Sunday.

Eid al-Adha is the second major holiday of Islam, usually consisting of prayer and a communal feast marking remembrance and sacrifice. It is also the most common time for the Hajj pilgrimage to the Islamic holy city of Mecca.

“The Hajj and Eid al-Adha remind us of our equality before God and the importance of community and charity — values that speak directly to the American character,” Biden said in a statement. “The United States is blessed to be home to millions of American Muslims who enrich our nation in countless ways, from medicine to technology, education, public service, the arts, and beyond.”

The president also used the occasion to remark on the Israel-Hamas war, which has raised tensions among both Muslims and Jews in the U.S., with hate crimes against both groups increasing in the last year.

“This year, Eid al-Adha comes at a difficult time for many Muslims around the world. In Gaza, innocent civilians are suffering the horrors of the war between Hamas and Israel,” Biden said. “My Administration is doing everything we can to bring an end to the war, free all hostages, deliver humanitarian relief, and work toward a future two-state solution, which I continue to believe is the only way to achieve a lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis.”

He also remarked on the need to resolve conflicts in Sudan and work against the persecution of Muslims in Myanmar and China.

“That’s why I’m committed to addressing the scourge of Islamophobia in the United States,” Biden said. “Hate has no place in America, whether it is targeted at American Muslims, Arab Americans including Palestinians, or anyone else.”

“In the spirit of Eid al-Adha, let us all renew our commitment to values that unite us — compassion, empathy, and mutual respect — which are both American and Islamic,” he continued. “We look forward to welcoming home our American Muslim pilgrims who have earned the title ‘Al-Hajj.’ To them and all Muslims across the globe, we wish you a blessed and meaningful holiday. Eid Mubarak!”