Jewish White House Staffers Upset by Absence of Group Photo

Reports indicate that some Jewish staffers at the White House were disappointed by the absence of a scheduled photo in May to commemorate Jewish American Heritage Month.

Celebrating various cultures and backgrounds with events such as East Room receptions, Rose Garden speeches, and group photos with staff members from the respective heritage has been a tradition, as highlighted by Politico.

However, when the month of May concluded this year without a photo recognizing Jewish heritage, several staffers expressed their disappointment and confusion, as per Politico’s report.

Amid challenging times, these opportunities are seen as important for building unity and supporting each other, particularly in light of the growing issue of antisemitism, according to one administration official quoted in a Signal group chat by the news outlet. This sentiment remains relevant regardless of individual perspectives on the various conflicts.

While Jewish staffers had not participated in a heritage month photo in May of 2021 or 2022, they did so in May 2023, capturing a moment with second gentleman Doug Emhoff, the first Jewish spouse of a president or vice president, as shown in a photo.

A second administration official in the Signal group chat mentioned that the absence of a Jewish American Heritage Month staff photo in 2024 was different considering the context of the Oct. 7 attack, according to Politico.

“It is surprising and disappointing that we didn’t get to take a photo,” the official expressed to Politico.

Given the current climate and concerns about the rise in antisemitism, Jewish staffers had hoped for a group photo this year to demonstrate White House solidarity with the Jewish community.

As part of President Joe Biden’s National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism, the White House urged all agencies to organize events in May celebrating Jewish Americans, as reported by Politico.

White House spokesperson Robyn Patterson emphasized Biden’s firm stance against the increase in antisemitism since the Oct. 7 attacks.

“President Biden will continue to be vocal in celebrating the heritage and contributions of Jewish Americans, who continue to enrich every aspect of our society,” Patterson stated to Politico, referencing the president’s recent gathering with Jewish American leaders and appointees in the Rose Garden.