The COVID-19 public health crisis has put a halt on all large scale events and gatherings for the foreseeable future.
As Muslims around the country observe the holy month of Ramadan, US Muslim lawmakers have decided to come together in a virtual event to celebrate the holy month amid the viral outbreak.
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Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, a former US congressman and the first Muslim to win an election for a statewide office in the US will also attend the event.
The iftar is organized by Muslim Advocates, a civil rights organization. People of diverse faiths will attend the iftar, the group’s CEO, Farhana Khera, told ABC News.
“We think doing these events is an important opportunity to share with non-Muslim allies a little bit about who we are as a community,” Khera said. “And so, we purposefully geared this event in a way that it’s welcoming of both Muslims and non-Muslims from across the country.”
President Barack Obama pauses as he acknowledges Muslim 9/11 families during an Iftar dinner in the State Dining Room of the White House, Aug. 10, 2011 in Washington. Alex Wong/Getty Images, FILE 
President George W. Bush speaks during an iftar dinner in the State Dining Room at the White House, Oct. 16, 2006 in Washington. AFP via Getty Images, FILE 
First Lady Hillary Clinton meets with Muslim Americans in the White House Indian Treaty Room on Jan. 29, 1998. David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images, FILE 
President Bill Clinton greets invited guests before making a statement on Jan. 10, 2000. AFP via Getty Images, FILE 
Needed Dialogue
Rep. Tlaib believes virtual iftars will start a new much-needed dialogue in the US.
“Though the pandemic has forced us to rethink how we celebrate Ramadan, I hope we can start a new tradition with this virtual National Iftar,” she said.
“This event is an opportunity for all Americans to join us as my fellow Muslim colleagues in Congress and I observe Ramadan. We will uplift the stories of American Muslims who are working to help their communities during this pandemic and share why it is important to continue to show up for others.”
As of Tuesday, May 12, the COVID-19 pandemic has infected 4,273,104 and killed other 287,621, according to the latest estimates by WorldOMeter.
The US is grappling with over 1,385,850 confirmed cases of the new virus. The US has reported 81,795 deaths so far.