First ‘iftar’ was held at the White House in 1805 AMY WANG

terrorist attacks, when anger toward Muslim Americans was spiking. At the 2001 dinner, in mid-November, Bush emphasised the US was fighting against terrorism, not Islam.

“All the world continues to benefit from this faith and its achievementsRamadaan and the upcoming holiday season are a good time for people of different faiths to learn more about each other. And the more we learn, the more we find that many commitments are broadly shared,” Bush said.

“After a White House Rose Garden ceremony, Bush had said his message for

PICTURE: TINA HAGER President George W Bush hosts a Ramadaan dinner, for ambassadors from Islamic nations.