Programs & Events
U.S. Embassy hosts Ramadan Iftaar Dinner Series
The U.S. Embassy continued its traditional commemoration of the Holy Month of Ramada, with an Iftaar dinner series hosted by Ambassador Bernadette M Allen, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Eric P Whitaker, and Public Affairs Officer (PAO) and American Cultural Center Director Stephen J Posivak. On September 10, 2008 Ambassador Allen sponsored an Iftaar dinner at her residence in honor of three newly-arrived members of the U.S. diplomatic mission. The event served to introduce DCM Whitaker, Management Officer Sonja Rix, and Economics/Consular Officer Karan Swaner to key contacts in Niger’s government, civil society members, international organization representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps.
On September 19, 2008 Eric Whitaker, in his capacity as Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. during the absence of Ambassador Allen, hosted an Iftaar at the Ambassador’s residence for 50 attendees, including a broad spectrum of civil society representatives from associations ranging in interest from anti-trafficking in persons to anti-child labor to human rights. Others included Nigerien government officials, members of religious organizations, and international organization representatives. Chargé Whitaker spoke on the spirit of Ramadan, noting both the exterior and interior aspects of fasting and sacrifice, as well as pointing out the growing significance of Islam in the United States, where freedom of religious practice is prized.
On September 24, PAO Stephen Posivak closed out the mission’s Ramadan programming with an Iftaar at his residence. This event included representatives of the Nigerien Ministry of Religious Affairs, the OIC-sponsored Islamic University at Say, the National University, local Islamic associations, educational institutions, civil society NGOs, and major media owners, executives, and directors.
These events served to increase mutual understanding between the U.S. mission and key local contacts, who expressed their admiration and appreciation for U.S. willingness to join them in celebrating their local religious traditions.
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| Chargé d’Affairs, a.i. Eric P Whitaker greets Iftaar guests. |
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| Guests engage in prayers during Ramadan Iitaar event at PAO’s residence |
