Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, June/July 2023, pp. 53-54
Muslim American Activism
THE COUNCIL on American-Islamic Relations, California Chapter (CAIR-CA) celebrated the holy month of Ramadan with its annual iftar—the meal after sunset that concludes the day-long Muslim fast—hosted by speaker of the California State Assembly Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), at the Sacramento State Capitol on April 10.
This 17th annual Ramadan iftar was the first held at the Capitol since 2019, when the COVID-19 pandemic prevented such in-person gatherings.
Omar Altamimi, CAIR-CA’s policy and advocacy coordinator, based out of the Sacramento Valley and Central California office, served as the evening’s emcee, welcoming 150 community members and guests gathered in the Capitol Rotunda beneath the building’s historic dome.
“We come together today to honor the values of compassion, unity and generosity that is at the heart of Ramadan,” Khydeeja Alam Javid, president of the CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central Valley (SV/CV) chapter, said.
The gathering in the Capitol, she observed, is a “wonderful opportunity to come together as one community to share in the blessings of Ramadan and to deepen our bonds of friendship and cooperation. May this gathering be a source of inspiration, enlightenment and unity for us all.”
CAIR SV/CV executive director Basim Elkarra pointed out that history had recently been made with the election of Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), the first Muslim-American California state senator, who is also the first Afghan-American woman elected to public office in the United States.
Elkarra also noted that Assemblymember Bill Essayli (R-Riverside) is the first Muslim in history to be elected to the California State Assembly.
“Our Muslim community is a vibrant and diverse community, with both Democrats and Republicans,” he said. “We all respect one another and work together to uplift and not just empower our community, but other communities as well.”
Rabbi Seth Castleman, director of the Exodus Project, mentioned the convergence this year of the Easter, Passover and Ramadan observances, which happens only once every 30 years. “All three traditions talk about renunciation, devotion and aligning one’s own will with the will of the divine,” he said.
State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) told the crowd that he believes Ramadan carries a universal message—for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. “Everyone can benefit from some time to reflect, recharge, get in touch with where that empty space in their heart may really be coming from and to connect with the things that matter most in life,” he stated.
Following the reception, guests enjoyed a fast-breaking dinner at CAIR’s Sacramento office and new art gallery.
—Elaine Pasquini
