Biden to Address Antisemitism in Response to Gaza Protests
President Joe Biden is set to address antisemitism at a Holocaust memorial ceremony on Tuesday amidst ongoing tensions surrounding nationwide protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Biden’s speech at the Capitol follows his recent response to the protests after facing criticism for remaining silent for several days. This comes at a time when the president is urging Israel to avoid entering the crowded Gazan city of Rafah and is working towards a ceasefire with Hamas, who announced on Monday that they had agreed to 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 the importance of learning from the atrocities of the past, according to the White House.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, “He will address the atrocities of Oct. 7 when Hamas carried out the deadliest attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust. He will also highlight the troubling increase in antisemitism in the U.S. since that day, evident in our cities, communities, and campuses.”
Reports of rising antisemitism have been made by Jewish students following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. Last week, Israel’s president criticized U.S. campuses for being “contaminated” by hatred, as protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza continue.
Biden will emphasize the importance of respecting and safeguarding the right to free speech while condemning antisemitism. Jean-Pierre added, “There is no place for antisemitism, hate speech, or threats of violence against the Jewish community, whether on campuses or elsewhere.”
Protesters have denied allegations of antisemitism and have highlighted the lack of attention given to the reported harassment of Muslim and Palestinian students.
