October 2, 2007 Embassy of Jordan with the Friends of Jordan Association hosted an Iftar during the Holy Month of Ramadan AMMAN (JT) - The Embassy of Jordan in Washington, DC and the Friends of Jordan Association co-hosted an Iftar gathering at the embassy on Oct. 2 in an effort to support the association’s work. Both the embassy and the Friends of Jordan Association (www.friendsofjordan.org) share a common goal: Promoting Jordan, its people, history and culture across the United States and enhancing understanding of the Kingdom’s unique role in the region as a beacon of hope and moderation. The Friends of Jordan Association was created in 2004 by returned Peace Corps Volunteers who served in Jordan, according to a statement released by the embassy. Its membership also includes current or former Peace Corps staff and other individuals or groups who share a common interest in Jordan. HRH Prince Zeid Raad, Jordan’s ambassador to the United States, commended the work of the association and their dedication to deepening ties between the peoples of Jordan and the United States. Given that the organization is led primarily by returning Peace Corps volunteers and in the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan, Prince Zeid expressed his admiration for volunteers’ work, especially in rural areas of the Kingdom. “Your contributions and tireless efforts are much appreciated in Jordan. Your cause is indeed a noble one, reminding us of our shared values and of the need to build on our commonalities while we respect and accept our differences.” The gathering was attended by members of the diplomatic community, representatives from the Arab and Muslim American communities as well as members of the Jordanian community in Washington, DC. Organised by the Jordan Information Bureau, the iftar gathering also exhibited photographs of different regions across Jordan taken by former Peace Corps volunteers in Jordan. Friends of Jordan is affiliated with the National Peace Corps Association, which is a nonprofit organisation of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and former or current Peace Corps staff. Friends of Jordan membership is separate and apart from Peace Corps Volunteer status, the statement said. Neither Friends of Jordan nor the National Peace Corps Association has a formal connection to the Peace Corps federal agency.