The UAE Embassy in Washington welcomed a diverse group of religious, government and civil society leaders to its sixth annual Interfaith Iftar – an annual tradition marking the holy month of Ramadan.
His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE Ambassador to the US, greeted guests and highlighted the UAE’s established values and long history of acceptance and religious and cultural diversity. “Coexistence and inclusion are a foundation of Emirati culture and society. We challenge intolerance, welcome everybody, and celebrate diversity,” His Excellency Al Otaiba said.
Also in attendance, His Excellency Abdullah Al Shehhi, Director of the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, delivered a speech where he reflected on the Abrahamic Family House’s launch last month, noting that the space – which houses a mosque, a church, and a synagogue – invites contemplation and communication between people of diverse faiths.
His Excellency Al Shehhi said: “The Abrahamic Family House is the living embodiment of the UAE’s values of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. It is the home of three distinct and vibrant faith communities, and a place for discovery and dialogue for people of all faiths and none.”
In attendance were community leaders, senior members of US Government and elected officials, including US Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt, Rashad Hussain, Ambassador at Large for Religious Freedom and US congressmen Brad Schneider.
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