Biden to address Antisemitism in speech during Gaza protests

President Joe Biden is set to address antisemitism at a Holocaust memorial ceremony on Tuesday, amidst ongoing tensions surrounding nationwide protests on college campuses against Israel’s actions in Gaza.

This speech at the Capitol follows Biden’s recent comments on the protests, after facing criticism for his initial silence from both Republicans and fellow Democrats during an election year.

The President is also urging Israel to avoid invading the crowded Gaza city of Rafah and is pushing for a ceasefire with Hamas, which announced on Monday that they accepted a deal for a truce and the release of hostages.

During his keynote address at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum’s annual Days of Remembrance ceremony in the Capitol, Biden will reaffirm a commitment to learning from the atrocities of that dark period, as stated by the White House on Monday.

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre mentioned, “He will address the atrocities committed on October 7, the day Hamas unleashed the deadliest attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust,”

“He will also discuss the concerning rise in antisemitism in the US that has occurred since that tragic event, affecting cities, communities, and college campuses,” she continued.

Following the October 7 attack by Hamas, Jewish students have reported an increase in antisemitic incidents, leading Israel’s president to declare that US campuses are tainted by hatred.

As protests over Israel’s actions in Gaza continue, including many Jewish students critical of the treatment of Palestinians, Biden will stress the importance of respecting and protecting free speech, while condemning antisemitism in any form.

Protesters have emphasized their rejection of alleged antisemitic acts and have raised concerns about the lack of attention given to harassment against Muslim and Palestinian students.