WASHINGTON
US Secretary of State John Kerry hosted an iftar (fast-breaking dinner during Muslim holy month of Ramadan) at the Department of State on Wednesday.
Kerry highlighted the importance of freedom, peace and welfare in his remark, saying that hatred was a feeling learnt later and passed down to future generations, and he called for mutual respect.
Kerry said the US had always struggled with discrimination arising from religious differences, adding, "No other county than the US has ever received various communities with open arms to pray freely."
Kerry also emphasized the need for permanent peace between Israel and Palestine, Sunnis and Shiites, referring to his visit to the Middle East.
Turkey's Ambassador in Washinton Namik Tan, several representatives of Turkish communities, officials from the Obama administration, religious leaders, representatives of non-governmental organizations and members of congress attended the meal.
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