Among the guests at Monday's dinner was Samantha Elauf, who sat at Obama's table after recently winning a Supreme Court case against fashion retailer Abercrombie & Fitch who declined to hire her after she wore a hijab to a job interview in 2008 even though she scored high marks during the interview process.
Samantha Elauf's firm stance against discrimination was hailed by the President Obama.
"Samantha had decided to defend her right to wear a headscarf to be able to have the same opportunities like everyone else. She went all the way to the Supreme Court, which I wouldn't have been able to do at her age. Samantha won her case. We are proud of you Samantha," the president said, supporting Elauf's struggle.
Obama also touched on the recent mass murders in Charleston, South Carolina, saying, "We insist that no one should be targeted for who they are... how they worship."
"Together we can overcome ignorance and prejudice," the president added, highlighting the importance of coexistence among different faiths.
The dinner was also attended by Munira Khalif who is a recipient of the UN's Youth Courage Award, Muslim congressmen Andre Carson, Keith Ellison, Turkey's Ambassador to the U.S.Serdar Kılıç, and other diplomatic representatives from Muslim countries.
