Kerry began his speech with "Assalamu Alaikum." During his speech at the event, he said it is not appropriate to American values to discriminate against people based on their religion or nationality.
“We are living in a contentious time when some try to make a negative out of being a refugee, to somehow turn people who are refugees into threats,” he said.
"If we were to compile all refugees in one country, it would be the 22nd most crowded country in the world. Refugees are not a threat to American society," Kerry said.
"Hatred against Muslims serves the interests of terror groups. There is a tendency to pretend as if there was a war between the US and Islam, but it is not true. There is no other country like the US, where Muslims can live with freedom," he added.
Jolie also expressed her pleasure at attending the iftar and said countries should take more responsibility in fighting against increasing xenophobia.
“Today, partly in response to this crisis, we are seeing rising intolerance and xenophobia. But strength lies in mastering and channeling our emotions so that we pursue policies that reduce, not inflame, threats to our security. We need leadership. We need solutions. So that is my ask and my focus today," she said.
"It is not appropriate to consider some people more valuable than others in democratic countries," she added.
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