Washington: A White House message on Twitter wishing “Muslims in the United States and around the world a blessed and joyous celebration” of Eid al-Fitr on Monday sparked backlash over President Barack Obama's position on Gaza.
Husnain Bukhari, a Twitter user, wrote: “Except the ones in Gaza [be]cause they're too busy getting bombed.” in response to Obama's Eid message, Al-Arabiya reported.
“We stand with people of all faiths, here at home and around the world, to protect and advance their rights to prosper, and we welcome their commitment to giving back to their communities,” the U.S. president said.
Obama had earlier issued a statement congratulating Muslims on the Eid-al-Fitr, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
“Muslims throughout the United States and around the world celebrate Eid-al-Fitr, Michelle and I extend our warmest wishes to them and their families,” Obama said.
“While Eid marks the completion of Ramadan, it also celebrates the common values that unite us in our humanity and reinforces the obligations that people of all faiths have to each other, especially those impacted by poverty, conflict, and disease,” he added.
“The ones in Gaza as well?” asked Semra Akay, another twitter user identifies herself as a PhD candidate in the United Kingdom.
Janet Weil, another user, replied to the White House's tweet saying: “The hypocrisy of the #Obama admin, supporting the genocidal ”self-defense” of #Israel, never ceases to amaze. #GazaUnderAttack.”
Twitter user @abdikarim_abdi3 wrote: "Obama releases a statement on Eid day but completely ignoring that children in Gaza will be unable to celebrate the special occasion."
Purported Syrian blogger @nmsyria asked: “Anything on Israel's "right to defend itself" in the footnotes, or was that humiliation limited to the White House Iftar?”
This is the second controversy this month involving the White House’s handling of Muslim occasions in relation to the U.S.’s policy in the Middle East.
Last month, during a White House Iftar for the U.S. Muslim community leaders, President Obama angered some of his guests by reiterating Israel's right to defend itself, amid the ongoing deadly assault on Gaza.
Comments
| Quick linksNews
National
International
Regional
Politics
Education & Career
Business
Science & Technology
Health
Views & Analysis
The Funny Side
© 2012 Awaz Multimedia & Publications. All rights reserved.
Millions of Muslims across the length and breadth of India Tuesday prayed for the Palestinians, who are currently engaged in a fierce battle with Israel, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.. .... More
Also Read: Muslims around Arab states, part of the world celebrate Eid al Fitr
Three people were killed and over a dozen injured Monday when a minor brawl turned ugly in Rampur town of Uttar Pradesh, police said. Three people were killed and over a dozen injured Monday when a minor brawl turned .... More
Also Read: Curfew in Saharanpur after two killed in communal violence
Congress and caste parties decimated, whither Indian Muslims?By giving them frontline roles in communal conflicts, the Sangh Parivar has dignified Mochis, Khatiks (fruit sellers), Lohars (blacksmiths), Nayis (barbers), Valmikis (toilet cleaners), dhobis (laundry washers) in large numbers as Hindutva's foot soldiers..... More
A Real Euro-star and world's most expensive footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, refused to wear a jersey with Israeli flag saying: "I do not exchange my shirt .... More
Also Read: Palestinian president seeks UN probe into Israeli crimes