In Honor of the Holy Month of Ramadan
Floor Speech
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Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to show support for the Muslim community in Georgia, as well as the Muslim community the world over, as they prepare for the month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is a holy month in the religion of Islam dedicated to spiritual meditation and personal reflection. For 30 days, Muslims will refrain from vulgarity, bad behavior and unfavorable habits, along with abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset.
In the wake of national discrimination and intolerance, the Fourth District has been working to build a community that is welcoming and accepting to Muslims and practitioners of all faiths. Recently, Gwinnett County began an outreach initiative called ``Building Bridges'' that connects government officials to Muslims and other diverse groups. In DeKalb County, local officials have been visiting mosques and meeting with local Muslim leaders in an effort to build a strong, trusting relationship.
Such efforts to build understanding and good will with members of the Muslim community can be seen throughout the various cities of the Fourth District. In 2015, 125 people came together in Stone Mountain for a rally to welcome new refugees--this at a time when refugees were being rejected and attacked in our public discourse, politics, and media. The city of Clarkston has been called a ``safe haven'' for refugees for years. The leaders and citizens of Clarkston have done an excellent job of integrating refugees into the community, helping them learn to adjust to American culture, and providing access to housing, education, and job opportunities.
I commend my district for its efforts to be inclusive, welcoming, and hospitable, and I fully support and encourage initiatives that help bridge cultural gaps while ensuring a safe, friendly and nurturing community.
For Muslims, this next month is devoted to charity, loved ones, community, peace and faith--values that are universally respected, particularly in the great state of Georgia.
I join my constituents within the Fourth Congressional District in sending the best of regards to the Muslim community during this significant month, and wishing all Muslims a Ramadan Kareem.
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