President Biden hosted a celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month at the White House on Monday, saying what is happening in Gaza is not genocide and reiterating his support for Israel.
Addressing dozens of guests in the Rose Garden, Biden denies claims that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and criticizes International Criminal Court’s warrant request against Israeli leaders for war crimes. and pledged support to Israel in its war against Hamas.
“We know today’s reception is difficult. The trauma of October 7th and its aftermath…is still fresh and ongoing for many of you,” Biden said. He spoke, referring to last year’s Hamas attack that killed more than 1,000 Israelis.
“Let me be clear: contrary to the International Court of Justice’s claims against Israel, what is happening is not genocide. We reject that,” he added. “And we will always stand with Israel against threats to its security.”
Other senior Biden officials have said in recent weeks that Israel’s military operation in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and left many without access to adequate food, water and medicine, is a genocide. It similarly rejects any suggestion that there is.
Guests at Monday’s reception included Attorney General Merrick Garland, Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.). ), Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Maryland). Biden also recognized the parents of Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg Pollin, who is being held hostage by Hamas.
Biden said his administration was working to negotiate the release of the remaining hostages captured on Oct. 7 and “we’re going to bring them home.”
The president has tried to tread a cautious line in his approach to Israel in recent weeks, defending his right to deal with Hamas and repeatedly condemning anti-Semitism in the wake of attacks. But he also called on Israel to allow more aid to the Gaza Strip and to do more to protect civilians.
On Monday, Biden steadfastly supported Israel.
“We stand with Israel to eliminate Sinwar and the remaining butchers of Hamas,” Biden said, referring to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. “We want to defeat Hamas. We have been working with Israel to make that happen.”
The president also condemned incidents of anti-Semitism on college campuses and elsewhere, which have increased sharply in the months since the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel.
“In America, we respect and protect the fundamental right of free speech to peacefully protest. That’s America,” Biden said. “But there is no place for anti-Semitism or hate speech against Jews or anyone else on any American campus or anywhere in America.”
His younger son, Doug Emhoff, who is Jewish and has spearheaded the White House’s efforts to combat anti-Semitism, also addressed the crowd on Monday.
Emhoff told attendees that “no one is fighting harder to fight hate and unite our country” than Biden and Vice President Harris. But he acknowledged that many Jews across the country, including himself, have faced hardship, especially in recent months.
“Some days it’s really hard for me to put myself out here and do this work in public. I know it’s hard for you too,” Emhoff said. “But we will continue to fight because we have no choice but to fight.”
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