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ISNA Press Release & Statements, National News

ISNA President at White House Iftar

SNA president Imam Mohamed Magid attended the annual iftar hosted by President Obama at the White House July 25. The guests included members of the diplomatic corps, members of Congress such as Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) and Rep. Andre Carson (D-Ind.), and senior administration officials, and Muslim American achievers and leaders. The President reminded, “Throughout our history, Islam has contributed to the character of our country, and Muslim Americans, and their good works, have helped to build our nation — and we’ve seen the results.  We’ve seen those results in generations of Muslim immigrants — farmers and factory workers, helping to lay the railroads and build our cities.  Muslim innovators who helped build some of our highest skyscrapers and who helped to unlock the secrets of our universe. “Every day, Muslim Americans are helping to shape the way that we think and the way that we work and the way that we do business.  And that’s the spirit that we celebrate tonight — the dreamers, the creators whose ideas are pioneering new industries, creating new jobs and unleashing new opportunities for all of us.” President Obama recognized several of his guests, entrepreneurs like Shazi Visram, founder, CEO and “Chief Mom” of Happy Family, which is on track to reach $100 million in revenue this year.  Every time that they sell one of their products, they contribute to global efforts to end child hunger. Innovator Aunim Hossain, who designed a hand-held device to help detect breast cancer, now serves as the creator of Tista Games.  Dr. Iya Khalil, who co-founded her own biotech research company, which today employs almost 50 people and is a leader in genomic medicine, making it possible for doctors to prescribe personalized treatment plans for patients with diseases like cancer, and giving new hope to people around the world. The White House has a tradition of celebrating the sacred days of various faiths.  And during her stint at the White House, Hilary Clinton included Muslims with an iftar event.