Biden marks Passover with statement of ‘ironclad’ support for Israel

President Biden noted the arrival of Passover in a message Sunday, linking the Jewish holiday to the Israel-Hamas war and doubling down on support for Israel in the conflict.

“This holiday reminds us of a deep and powerful truth: If we continue to have faith in the face of persecution, we will endure and overcome.” Biden wrote. “We can never forget the horrors of Hamas’s despicable atrocities.”

“My commitment to the safety of the Jewish people, the security of Israel, and its right to exist as an independent Jewish state is unwavering,” he continued.

In the face of growing criticism from Democrats of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, Biden renewed his commitment to push for a temporary ceasefire agreement to free hostages held by Hamas.

As Israeli forces move closer to invading Rafah, they are refusing to release about 100 people believed to be held by the group, despite strict warnings from the Biden administration and others to avoid ground fighting in the city. The negotiations aimed at are almost at an impasse.

“My administration is working around the clock to free the hostages and will not rest until we bring them home.” “We will continue to work toward a two-state solution that provides equal security, prosperity, and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.”

The message also came a week after Iran fired hundreds of rounds of ammunition at Israel in response to an earlier attack on Israel. The attack raised fears of a wider regional war, but nearly all of the munitions were intercepted before reaching their targets.

Biden also condemned anti-Semitism and continued his administration’s fight against hateful acts, which experts warn has continued to rise in recent months.

“The story of the ancient persecution of Jews in the Haggadah reminds us that we must speak out against the alarming surge in anti-Semitism in our schools, communities and online.” he stated. “Silence is complicity.”