Special Advisor Farah Pandith Visits Dublin to discuss Muslim Outreach

Farah Pandith with Newstalk Presenter George Hook

Farah Pandith, Special Advisor to the State Department Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, visited Dublin on November 13 and 14 to discuss the US Government’s efforts to build bridges of discussion both with and within the Muslim communities around Europe. Ms. Pandith had the opportunity to meet with both government officials and members of the community to discuss the current situation of Muslims in Ireland. Ireland is at an advantageous point of their development in the dialogue with Muslim communities and immigrant communities in general. It is only within the last 10 years that Ireland has gone from a country of net emigration to a country of net immigration. The government of Ireland is currently looking at international models of how to deal with the issues surrounding new populations.

Ms. Pandith commented that she was encouraged by the comments she had heard from both government officials and members of the community that there is an excellent opportunity at this time in Ireland to build strong bridges of dialogue around the key issues surrounding the Muslim community. Reaching out to young people through new technologies is key to creating an atmosphere of belonging and cooperation among communities, Ms. Pandith commented.

The Irish Times Migration Correspondent, Ruadhan Mac Cormaic conducting an interview with Farah Pandith

While in Dublin, Ms. Pandith gave interviews to the Irish Times and the leading newspaper for the immigrant community, Metro Eireann. She also gave an interview during the evening “drive time” on one of Ireland’s most popular radio shows “The Right Hook”. One of the producers for Newstalk 106, the station that broadcasts ‘The Right Hook” mentioned that during the interview they had received many text messages with comments about the program.

During her visit Ms. Pandith participated in the Embassy’s Interfaith Thanksgiving dinner. About 170 guests from representing most of the religious faiths here in Ireland participated in the annual event. With the encouragement of Ambassador Foley, many seized the opportunity to meet new people who they might not have met previously.  By the end of the evening, Ms. Pandith promised several people that she would be happy to find the opportunity to return to Ireland to continue the dialogue she had begun during her visit here.