On this day last year, the sun rose on what was supposed to be a joyous Jewish holiday. By sunset, October 7 had become the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Today marks one year of mourning for the more than 1,200 innocent people of all ages, including 46 Americans, massacred in southern Israel by the terrorist group Hamas. One year since Hamas committed horrific acts of sexual violence. One year since more than 250 innocents were taken hostage, including 12 Americans. One year for the survivors carrying wounds, seen and unseen, who will never be the same. And one year of a devastating war. On this solemn anniversary, let us bear witness to the unspeakable brutality of the October 7th attacks but also to the beauty of the lives that were stolen that day.
The October 7th attack brought to the surface painful memories left by millennia of hatred and violence against the Jewish people. That is why, soon after the attack, I became the first American President to visit Israel in a time of war. I made clear then to the people of Israel: you are not alone. One year later, Vice President Harris and I remain fully committed to the safety of the Jewish people, the security of Israel, and its right to exist. We support Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks from Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and Iran. Last week, at my direction, the United States military once again actively assisted in the successful defense of Israel, helping to defeat an Iranian ballistic missile attack.
Today and every day, I think of the hostages and their families. I have met the families of the hostages and grieved with them. They have been through hell. My Administration has negotiated for the safe release of more than 100 hostages, including Americans. We will never give up until we bring all of the remaining hostages home safely.
I also strongly condemn the vicious surge in antisemitism in America and around the world. It is unacceptable. All of us must stand united against antisemitism and against hate in all its forms.
I believe that history will also remember October 7th as a dark day for the Palestinian people because of the conflict that Hamas unleashed that day. Far too many civilians have suffered far too much during this year of conflict — and tens of thousands have been killed, a human toll made far worse by terrorists hiding and operating among innocent people. We will not stop working to achieve a ceasefire deal in Gaza that brings the hostages home, allows for a surge in humanitarian aid to ease the suffering on the ground, assures Israel’s security, and ends this war. Israelis and Palestinians alike deserve to live in security, dignity, and peace. We also continue to believe that a diplomatic solution across the Israel-Lebanon border region is the only path to restore lasting calm and allow residents on both sides to return safely to their homes.
On this day of remembrance, which also falls during the holiest days of the Jewish calendar, we honor the indomitable spirit of the Jewish people and mourn the victims of October 7th. May their memory be a blessing.
October 07, 2024 Washington, DC
Here are the three critical questions from a Republican perspective regarding President Biden’s approach to Israel and the protests surrounding it:
- Party Accountability: Given that representatives from your Democratic Party have participated in organizing and supporting anti-Israel protests and riots on university campuses and in cities, how do you reconcile this with your administration’s commitment to Israel’s security? What steps will you take to ensure that your party is held accountable for actions that undermine support for our ally?
- U.S. Involvement in Defense: While you highlight the U.S. military’s role in defending Israel from attacks, what specific measures will you implement to ensure that the U.S. actively supports Israel in its right to retaliate against the continuous rocket attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon, rather than appearing to limit Israel’s ability to defend itself?
- Addressing Antisemitism: In light of the rising antisemitism linked to these protests and the broader social movement, what concrete actions will your administration take to combat hate speech and violence against Jewish communities in the U.S., and how will you ensure that your party unequivocally denounces such behavior instead of allowing it to persist among its ranks?
Sources: White House WH.gov , Midtown Tribune
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