ON Tuesday, July 22, prominent Muslims will be hosted by the US Embassy in Guyana for Iftar; that is, the meal/dinner for the breaking of the Fast of Ramadan.

I was invited, but will not attend for several compelling reasons, including US complicity in the current atrocity being perpetuated by the Israeli occupation forces against the besieged civilians in Gaza.

In the past, I attended many functions hosted by the US Embassy, but this time I will not, as a silent protest. Of course, my protest can in no way be compared to that of the American peace activist Rachel Corrie, who was brutally martyred while protesting the destruction of Palestinian homes in the occupied territories, or that of the countless Palestinian children who have been martyred while protesting occupation and apartheid by casting stones at Israeli war tanks; but at least I can live with a clear conscience.

This Iftar function cannot be organized at a ‘worse’ time than now, when the Government of the United States of America unreservedly demonstrates its full support for the Israeli invasion of Gaza, which results on a daily basis in the slaughter of innocent Palestinians, including helpless women, children, weak and old people who are totally unable to protect themselves against the might of the Israeli Military.

In fact, the US Senate recently voted in full support for the Israeli Offensive in Gaza, and has committed an additional one hundred billion dollars to the Israeli Government. Therefore, it begs the question as to the real objective of hosting Iftar for Muslims by US Missions around the world. Is it diplomacy or hypocrisy? Is this meant to convince Muslims that the US foreign policies are not aimed against Muslims and Islam? Is this some kind of disguise to justify and appease Muslims regarding the stand of the US Administration on several matters which have negatively impacted on the lives of Muslims around the world? (Space does not allow me to elaborate)

Moreover, it is a great paradox for us to be hosted at a meal for the breaking of the fast when the very host is complicit in disrupting the lives of innocent Palestinians who are supposed to be enjoying the peace of Ramadan in the comfort of their homes while breaking the fast with their families.

The Iftar is not a mere cultural event, but has deep spiritual significance to the person who has been observing a full day’s fast. Iftar is the time for deep spiritual reflection and supplication, including praying for the weak and oppressed.

How can we, with a clear conscience, eat the Iftar provided by the US Embassy when we know for a fact that the very hand that is giving us this Iftar meal is tainted with the blood of the besieged people of Palestine?

Furthermore, what justification would we provide before our Lord when wide-eyed Palestinian children will be asked for what crimes they were killed?

For these and many more reasons, my conscience and moral sense of responsibility will militate against me attending this Iftar function, and I hope the same will be the case of the other invitees.

MOHAMED HASEEB