From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Israel’s US embassy hosts 70 Muslims, Christians and Jews for interfaith Ramadan iftar dinner
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter hosted an interfaith iftar dinner last night, says Israel’s embassy in Washington.
Some 70 Muslims, Christians, and Jews joined Leiter for the meal to break the Ramadan fast. Israel’s ambassadors in DC have a long-standing tradition of hosting representatives of Washington’s Muslim community and other local leaders for an iftar dinner.
US President Donald Trump’s Middle East adviser Massad Boulos and Arizona Congressman Abraham Hamadeh joined, as did the Azerbaijani and Uzbekistani ambassadors, officials from the Defense and State Departments, and Muslim clerics.
This year’s iftar dinner included a joint prayer, breaking the fast with dates and sweet drinks, a festive meal, and greetings from distinguished guests.
According to Israel’s embassy, Muslim leaders stressed the importance of peace among the children of Abraham and denounced Hamas, Iran, and the Muslim Brotherhood.
“When we sit together – Jews, Muslims, Christians, and people of all faiths – we embody the hope that despite the difficulties, peace is not only possible but necessary,” said Leiter.
Attendees also offered a joint prayer for the speedy return of hostages held by Hamas, says the embassy.
Notably, though, there did not appear to be representatives from any of the Abraham Accords countries, as Israel’s public ties with its Arab neighbors have cooled amid the ongoing Gaza war.
The Times of Israel Community.