U.S. President Joe Biden warned that the threat of antisemitism is growing in the U.S., including on college campuses. His keynote address for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum's annual commemoration of the genocide came seven months to the day after the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

Washington

U.S. President Joe Biden recently emphasized the increasing threat of antisemitism in the United States, including its presence on college campuses. Addressing the issue in his keynote speech for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum's annual commemoration event, President Biden highlighted the ongoing struggle against antisemitism, reflecting on the historical persistence of this prejudice beyond the Holocaust. The occasion marked exactly seven months following the attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which resulted in significant casualties and escalated tensions in the region.

During his address, President Biden drew attention to the tragic events of October 7, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, resulting in what he described as the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. This assault triggered a substantial retaliation from Israel, leading to the deaths of 35,000 residents in the Gaza Strip. In the U.S., the Hamas attack and subsequent Israeli retaliation led to widespread protests on college campuses. Amid these demonstrations, some Jewish students reported experiencing harassment and antisemitic incidents, adding to concerns over a noticeable rise in antisemitic attitudes nationwide.

The increase in antisemitism has been quantitatively supported by data from the FBI, which reported a 36 percent rise in anti-Jewish hate crime incidents between 2021 and 2022. Alongside this, there was also an increase in crimes targeting black Americans and gay men. Addressing these concerns, President Biden offered reassurance to Jewish students across the country, committing to ensuring their safety and freedom to practice their faith without fear.

The protests on campuses, which some have criticized as being sympathetic to Hamas, have prompted actions from law enforcement, including the forced removal of student demonstrations and numerous arrests. Amidst these tensions, voices from within the protests assert that their stance is pro-Palestinian rather than antisemitic, highlighting the complex dynamics at play.

President Biden has endeavored to navigate the delicate balance between upholding free speech and addressing the concerns of those feeling threatened by the current climate of political expression. He firmly condemned antisemitism and hate speech, expressing solidarity with Jewish Americans and reaffirming his unwavering support for Israel.



Biden condemns antisemitism at Holocaust memorial

This ancient hatred of Jews didn't begin with the Holocaust. It didn't end with the Holocaust either. U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday warned that the threat of anti-Semitism is growing in remarks honoring the 6 million Jews killed in the Nazi Holocaust 80 years ago. And his keynote address for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum's annual commemoration of the genocide came seven months to the day after the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 by Israeli tallies. That hatred was brought to life on October 7th in 2023. On a sacred Jewish holiday, the terrorist group Hamas unleashed the deadliest day of the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The Hamas attack provoked an Israeli retaliation that has so far killed 35,000 residents of the Gaza Strip. And it stirred up dramatic protests on U.S. college campuses by students demanding an end to the Israeli assault. Some Jewish students have said the demonstrations have included harassment and anti-Semitic instances. That comes against a backdrop in already rising threats. The FBI reported a 36 percent increase in anti-Jewish hate crime incidents between 2021 and 2022, the latest year for which data is available, as well as a jump in crimes against black Americans and gay men. To every Jewish student listening to us, no matter where you are around the country, you have my word. The U.S. House of Representatives will do everything in our power to ensure that you are safe, you can freely practice your faith, and you can go to school. Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have condemned pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campuses, painting them as Hamas sympathizers. In some cases, police have forcefully torn down student encampments and arrested hundreds. Those arrested include University of Texas at Austin freshman Arwin Heilrein. What is your reaction to people saying that these demonstrations are reflecting some anti-Semitism on campuses? I would reflect back the voices of the Jewish protesters that have been standing side-by-side with us, that this is not anti-Semitic, that this is pro-Palestinian. The police crackdowns prompted criticism that universities were clamping down on political speech, and Biden has tried to walk a careful line as his own Democratic Party has appeared divided over those sympathetic to Palestinians' plight and others who insist on Israel's right to defend itself. We respect and protect the fundamental right to free speech, to debate and disagree, to protest peacefully, and make our voices heard. I understand that's America, but there is no place on any campus in America, any place in America, for anti-Semitism or hate speech or threats of violence of any kind. Biden sought to reassure Jewish Americans, who overwhelmingly vote for Democratic candidates, that he would stand with them. The Jewish community wants you to know, I see your fear, your hurt, and your pain. Let me reassure you, as your president, you're not alone. You belong. Biden also said his commitment to Israel was ironclad, even amid disagreements with the country's government.

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