Ambassador Jacobson's remarks at the Interfaith Iftar Dinner, August 16, 2012

August 16, 2012

Ambassador Jacobson at the Interfaith Iftar Dinner.

[speaking in Albanian]

It’s an honor to host this Iftar.  I’m especially pleased to host representatives from Kosovo’s numerous faiths to our first interfaith Iftar dinner.

[continues in English]

It’s a real pleasure to see you all here tonight.  Especially because both Kosovo and the United States share a tradition of respect for the religions of each other.  In our countries we understand the importance of preserving religious heritage and of religious tolerance.  Tonight is an occasion to celebrate what makes us unique in terms of religion, but also what brings us together.

 I would like to read a quote from President Obama who hosted an Iftar Dinner at the White House, “Every faith is unique.  And yet, during Ramadan, we see the traditions that are shared by many faiths: believers engaged in prayer and fasting . . . Families gathering together with love for each other. . . Neighbors reaching out in compassion and charity, to serve the less fortunate.”

So in that spirit, I’m very pleased to welcome you all to my first official event as Ambassador to Kosovo, having presented my credentials to President Jahjaga today.  And I hope that we’ll all have a pleasant opportunity to share this Iftar, and to get to know each other better.