WASHINGTON – Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff planted a pomegranate tree at the vice president's residence on Monday to commemorate the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. It will be a solemn event amid renewed fears of all-out war in the Middle East, as a noisy protest outside the Naval Observatory fence marred what had been planned.
The Democratic presidential candidate and Emhoff's first public appearance together since last week, when Emhoff was accused of “forcefully slapping” his ex-girlfriend. . married his first wife.
Harris and Emhoff, both 59, held hands and the vice president placed a supportive hand on the second gentleman's arm during remarks that appeared to be uttered by protesters who raised chants. I bowed my head in a moment of silence punctuated by loud sirens.
“Today we are planting a pomegranate tree, which in Judaism is a symbol of hope and justice,” Harris said. “So, for many years to come, this pomegranate tree will stand here, spread its roots, grow stronger and grow stronger, offering a 100% honor to the future Vice President of the United States, his family, and all who pass through this property.” Not only the fear of the 7th of the month, but also the strength and perseverance of the Jews.
“This will remind us all not to abandon our goals of peace, dignity and security for all people, and remind us always to have faith.”
In response to a reporter's question, Harris said: “We are doing everything we can to reach a ceasefire/hostage agreement. This is one of the most important ways we can end this war and bring any kind of stability to the region. That's one of the current administration's top priorities.”
The incident comes as Israel is believed to be preparing an attack on Iran in retaliation for last week's nearly unsuccessful rocket barrage – Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu It comes after the prime minister ignored President Biden's warnings against an invasion of southern Lebanon aimed at clearing Hezbollah strongholds.
Journalists attending the event did not see nearby protesters, but the commotion could be heard on the video feed, although the exact words were unclear.
“I am still filled with pain and despair,” said Emhoff, who is Jewish. “Today is an incredibly difficult day for Jews around the world, including myself. October 7th hit us hard as a community. We are still hurting and today… feels just as raw as it did a year ago.
“What happened on October 7th is burned into our souls. We cannot help but think of the hostages, their families and all those we have lost over the past year,” he said. continued.
“As the first Jewish spouse [of] As President and Vice President of the United States, I take this role very seriously. Kamala is the person who encouraged me to use the platform I have to fight anti-Semitism and hate. She is also the person who encouraged me to embrace the Jewish faith. ”
