President Joe Biden has expressed warm appreciation for the key role American Muslims have played in the fight against COVID-19 including the development of a vaccine to fight the virus.
While sending warmest greetings to Muslims around the world, Biden also pledged to stand for the rights of Muslim communities including the suffering Uighurs in China and Rohingyas, who have been disowned by Myanmar.
“As many of our fellow Americans begin fasting tomorrow, we are reminded of how difficult this year has been. In this pandemic, friends and loved ones cannot yet gather together in celebration and congregation, and far too many families will sit down for iftar with loved ones missing,” the president said in a statement released by the White House.
Biden noted that Muslims have enriched the United States since its founding. They are as diverse and vibrant as America they have helped build, he noted.
“Today, Muslims are leading in our efforts to fight COVID-19, playing a pioneering role in vaccine development and serving as frontline health care workers,” he said in an apparent reference to a Turkish origin couple who pioneered the Pfizer vaccine against coronavirus.
Biden also referred to the contributions of American Muslims in other wide-ranging areas, saying they are creating jobs as entrepreneurs and business owners, risking their lives as first responders, teaching in our schools, serving as dedicated public servants across the nation, and playing a leading role in our ongoing struggle for racial equity and social justice.
“But still, Muslim Americans continue to be targeted by bullying, bigotry, and hate crimes. This prejudice and these attacks are wrong. They are unacceptable. And they must stop. No one in America should ever live in fear of expressing his or her faith. And my administration will work tirelessly to protect the rights and safety of all people.”
Biden recalled that on his first day as President, he did away with the “shameful Muslim travel ban,” that prohibited entry of people from several Muslim majority countries.
“I will continue to stand up for human rights everywhere, including for Uyghurs in China, Rohingya in Burma, and Muslim communities all over the world.”
