July 22, 2015, Washington D.C. – The Deputy Secretary of State, Antony Blinken hosted a reception in celebration of Eid al-Fitr. After a short introduction by Shaarik Zafar, Mr. Blinken took the stage. The theme of the event “the Power of Storytelling: Highlighting the Voices of Muslim Women” was reinforced when Mr. Blinken honored the women who had spoken in a panel earlier that day with his sincere appreciation. He spoke about the importance of understanding different religions and forming friendships with the Muslim community.
Mr. Blinken also gave his thanks to a Yumna Al-Naser, a 10-year-old survivor of a bombing attack in Daraa, Syria. She had been brought to Texas for treatment. He remarked on her strength and the strength that her story spread to everyone in that room.
Secretary of State John Kerry had planned to attend, but could not due to the Iran hearings with members of the Senate. He instead recorded a short speech where he commemorated the efforts of Muslim women worldwide, especially the storytellers. He said, “ I suspect that the brilliant storytellers who are with you tonight are driven by a comparable faith in possibilities – because without the hope for progress that comes through cooperation, why bother to tell stories at all?”
The event drew much media attention. Distinguished guests from Muslim communities across the US attended, including Dr. Faruk Taban, President of the Turkic American Alliance. He remarked that the event was very enjoyable and showed the progress America has achieved in forming strong bonds with the Muslim-American communities nationwide.
