New York: The holy month of Ramadan almost came to an end. The world is waiting for Eid al-Fitr. When Islam is treated with fear across the globe, this picture from U.S is marking a powerful step against Islamophobia. This iftar image is viral but has more to it as the one in picture is Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg.
Zuckerberg enjoyed his first Iftar dinner with a group of Somali refugees in Minneapolis, a photo of which he shared on the social media platform. In the post, Mark Zuckerberg shared anecdotes about his experience and a heartfelt message for the group expressing his gratitude for hosting him.
The post also took an indirect dig at US President Donald Trump's proposed travel ban, which Somalia will be impacted by along with five other Muslim-majority nations. The controversial order, if cleared, will freeze America's refugee resettlement program as well.
Here is what the Facebook post said;”Tonight I had my first Iftar dinner with a group of Somali refugees in Minneapolis. As a refugee, you often don’t get to choose which country you end up in. When I asked one man, who had spent 26 years in a refugee camp, whether America now felt like home, he gave a simple and profound answer: ‘Home is where you are free to do what you want. Yes, this feels like home.’ There are few places in the world he felt comfortable to be who he is: the country he was born, and our country that values freedom.”
The long post shared the beautiful thought that home is not just four walls but a place where you feel empowered and free. Zuckerberg ended the post by drawing the analogy to America and said, “What a beautiful tribute to America. Thanks to my hosts for being so gracious at the very end of Ramadan. I left impressed by your strength and resilience to build a new life in an unfamiliar place, and you are a powerful reminder of why this country is so great.”
Several users across the world opined that more should stand up for such moves to make the world a better place, without hatred and prejudices. His message of unity resonated with many on Facebook as the photo got nearly 2 lakh reactions and was shared over 12,000 times.