March 22, 2023 —
From David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee
Today marks the start of the holy month of Ramadan. Many colleagues and IRC clients will be celebrating, and I want to wish Ramadan Mubarak to all who are doing so.
For millions of people around the world, Ramadan is a time of deep inner self-reflection, with values of community and generosity to the fore alongside spiritual practices such as fasting. Ramadan is a time to gather with family and loved ones to worship and break fast together after sunset with an iftar meal.
Of course, the situation in predominantly Muslim countries like Syria, Turkey, Somalia, Yemen and Pakistan, where crisis is often front of mind, makes the observance of Ramadan challenging. Fasting and iftar gatherings look and feel different when home is no longer a safe place and people do not know where their next meal is coming from. Community, charity and prayer have immediate challenges to the fore.I am continuously inspired by the way in which all IRC staff, from all backgrounds and all circumstances, put others first and embody the values of community, dignity, compassion, and solidarity in supporting our clients and each other.
To all observing, I wish you a peaceful and reflective Ramadan in these uncertain times. May you be able to embrace community and celebrate with family, friends and colleagues.
Once again, I wish you all a Ramadan Mubarak. Kul am wa antom bi khayr.