Biden’s Observance of Hanukkah in the Midst of Increased Anti-Semitism and Conflict in Gaza

1 of 9 | President Joe Biden gives a friendly farewell as he walks by the menorah at a Hanukkah reception at the White House in Washington D.C., on Monday. Pool photo by Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/UPI | License Photo

Dec. 11 (UPI) — President Joe Biden marked the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah on Monday night at the White House. Amid rising anti-Semitism across the United States, he reaffirmed his commitment to the safety of the Jewish people and Israel’s right to exist as an independent Jewish state.

“You don’t have to be a Jew to be a zionist, and I’m a zionist,” Biden told invited guests at the annual lighting of the White House menorah in the East Room.

Leaders of the Jewish community, including Holocaust survivors, members of Congress, entertainers and local officials, were in attendance at the event. Biden spoke after first gentleman Doug Emhoff at about 7: 22 p.m. lit the first candle of the menorah.

“We continue to provide military assistance until they get rid of Hamas, but we have to be careful, they have to be careful,” Biden said, in reference to criticism over how Israel is conducting its offensive.

“We will continue to lead the world in humanitarian assistance to innocent Palestinian civilians. We emphasize to our friends, to our Israeli friends, we need to protect civilian life.”

Biden spoke about his unshakable commitment to the security of Israel and the Jewish people, emphasizing that “were there no Israel, there wouldn’t be a Jew in the world that was safe.”

During last year’s lighting ceremony, Biden vowed to not be silent in the face of growing anti-Semitism across the United States. This year, the prevalence of anti-Semitism has surged in the United States and across the globe.  » …
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