Rep. Baldeh's Statement on the Occasion of Eid Al- Fitr

April 9th, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Rep. Samba Baldeh

PHONE: (608) 266-0960

Rep. Baldeh Statement on the Occasion of Eid Al-Fitr

“Faith takes center stage during the holy month of Ramadan. To believe in something, and to be willing to make sacrifices for that thing we believe in, is a valuable life lesson. Today, reflecting back on the blessed month, I am eager to bring forth those lessons in the coming year and I wish Muslims across our state a joyous Eid Al-Fitr.

Understanding and awareness of Ramadan and its profound importance in Muslim communities has expanded greatly since I first came to Wisconsin decades ago. This is a very good thing. Our Muslim community is strong in faith and in caring for each other. These are strengths we can bring into the broader society. Our differences can make us stronger when we come together.

Finding common ground to our differences in perspective is foundational to preserving the strong cultural fabric of our state. I hope as we continue to have opportunities to learn something about cultures other than our own, we remember the hard work of being open to difference. I think pluralism means, unequivocally, that each of us belongs. Each of us belongs and has a seat at the table. We don’t have to agree, except on the fact that we all have a right to be there.

I believe a desire for peace is also something we share across our differences, peace here and also a peaceful world. As I celebrate this auspicious occasion amongst an abundance of blessings, I remember the Muslim communities across the world trying desperately to survive. The people of Gaza have endured circumstances unimaginable to most of us. It is unimaginable to me that we as a nation, and the world as a whole has allowed this to occur. We must continue using our voices to demand an immediate, permanent ceasefire, and we must not forget that our good fortune demands that we be mindful of the needs of others.”

###

09 Apr 2024