President Joe Biden vehemently condemned the recent surge in antisemitism both domestically and internationally following the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which he described as “the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.” In his emotionally charged keynote address at the annual Days of Remembrance ceremony held at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., Biden drew a chilling parallel between the escalating antisemitism and the horrors inflicted upon the Jewish people during World War II.
Biden lamented that despite the passage of time, the ancient hatred towards Jews persists, manifesting in various forms, including the recent antisemitic incidents on college campuses across the nation. He firmly declared that such actions are not only abhorrent but also illegal, emphasizing that the United States stands for civility and the rule of law where everyone should feel safe and respected regardless of their background or beliefs.
The president expressed his unwavering support for the Jewish community, assuring them that they are not alone and that they have a place of belonging in the United States. He urged all Americans to actively combat antisemitism and all forms of hatred and prejudice, stating, “We are not a lawless country. We’re a civil society. We uphold the rule of law. And no one should have to hide or be brave just to be themselves.”
Biden’s address served as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of hatred and intolerance, and the ongoing need for vigilance and unwavering commitment to the values of equality, justice, and human dignity.
