White House Iftar dinner facts for kids
The White House Iftar dinner is a special meal held every year at the White House. The U.S. President and the First Lady host it to celebrate Ramadan. Ramadan is a holy month for Muslim people. This yearly event brings together important Muslim American community members. These include politicians, leaders, and students. The tradition began in 1996 when Hillary Clinton hosted a dinner for Eid, which is a celebration after Ramadan.
A Long History of Sharing Meals
The very first Iftar dinner at the White House happened a long time ago. It was on December 9, 1805. President Thomas Jefferson hosted a guest named Sidi Soliman Mellimelli. He was an envoy from Tunis. President Jefferson made sure the meal was served after sunset. This was to respect Sidi Soliman Mellimelli's Ramadan tradition.
After this early event, it seems Ramadan was not celebrated at the White House for many years. However, in 1980, President Jimmy Carter sent special greetings. He wished "our fellow Americans of the Muslim faith" a happy Eid.
Presidents Continue the Tradition
The yearly Iftar dinner tradition really took off in 1996. President Bill Clinton continued to host these dinners. President George W. Bush also hosted an Iftar dinner in 2001. He then continued this tradition every year during his two terms.
President Barack Obama hosted his first Ramadan dinner in 2009. He continued to host one every year throughout his time as president.
In 2017, President Donald Trump did not host an Iftar dinner. This broke a tradition that had lasted for two decades. However, President Trump brought the Iftar dinner back to the White House on June 6, 2018. In 2019, the White House held the Iftar dinner on May 13, 2019.
President Joe Biden continued the tradition on Eid-Ul-Fitr in 2022.
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