The Annual Iftar Gathering at the U.S. Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission Residence
On June 22nd Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Leslie Tsou hosted the U.S. Embassy’s annual shared society and interfaith Iftar gathering. Joined by Ambassador David Freidman, DCM Tsou welcomed leaders from all faiths and diverse Arab and Jewish communities, Israelis and Palestinians, in celebration of the holy month of Ramadan. With a message of partnership and tolerance, commitment to achieving the goal of peace and reconciliation, community representatives and partners gathered to share an Iftar meal in the spirit of unity and understanding. Ambassador Freidman and DCM Tsou also awarded Certificates of Excellence to a group of Arab high school students who recently came back from the U.S. upon completing a year at American high schools as part of the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, funded by the U.S. State Department. The certificates were given to them in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the community and for fostering mutual understanding during their stay in the U.S. The evening began with Sheikh Ashraf Abu Shmeisi chanting a compelling recitation of the breaking the fast prayer, which was followed by an open-air dinner setting accompanied by beautiful Arabic and Ramadan music played by the “Azzam” ensemble.
