U.S. leaders commemorate first anniversary of attack on Israel on October 7
WASHINGTON — U.S. leaders on Monday marked the one-year anniversary of a shocking attack by Hamas militants on Israel that killed more than 1,000 civilians, captured hundreds more and sparked a war that has all but declared war. regional war and Israel’s deadly offensive in Gaza.
On the eve of the anniversary, demonstrations against Israel’s continued retaliatory bombing of Hamas-controlled Palestinian territory have resurfaced, with one man trying to set himself on fire on fire An otherwise peaceful protest took place outside the White House on Sunday.
FBI warn Synagogues, mosques and vigils can be targeted by violent extremists.
President Joe Biden Light a yahrzeit candle At the White House on Monday, first lady Jill Biden recited Jewish prayers to honor the dead, along with Rabbi Aaron Alexander of the Washington-based Congregation Adas Israel.
Biden also spoke by phone with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to express condolences and reiterate the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security, according to a transcript of the call reported by the White House.
“On this day last year, the sun rose on what was supposed to be a joyful Jewish holiday. By sunset, October 7 had become the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. Today is a day for more than 1,200 innocent people of all ages. “We are mourning a year of mourning for the 46 Americans who were massacred by the terrorist group Hamas in southern Israel,” Biden said in a statement early Monday, while acknowledging Hamas’ “horrific sexual violence.” Behavior” “.
Twelve Americans were among the hostages forcibly held by the militants, although many died in custody.
Protests against the United States have emerged from time to time over the past 12 months. gushing Weapons supplied to Israel since the attack. Health officials in Gaza said more than 41,000 people had been killed in the attack, which critics said was indiscriminate against civilians, but Israel insisted it targeted Iran’s ally Hamas.
Before abandoning his re-election bid, Biden’s campaign was frequently interrupted by demonstrators who accused the president of supporting “genocide” against the Palestinians.
A pomegranate tree brings hope
Protesters’ chants and sirens can be heard On Monday, Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff planted a pomegranate tree at the Vice President’s residence at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington to commemorate the victims of October 7 Moreover, the pomegranate tree is an important symbol of Jewish faith, according to reporters present.
“We must stay true to our commitment to repair the world” and “work to alleviate the immense suffering of innocent Palestinians in Gaza, who have experienced so much pain and loss for a year,” Harris said in a brief speech.
“In the years to come, this pomegranate tree will stand here, taking root and growing stronger, to remind future Vice Presidents of the United States, their families, and all who pass through these lands, not only to remember October 7 “It will also serve as a reminder of the strength and endurance of the Jewish people, and it will remind us all not to give up on the goal of peace, dignity and security for all, and it will remind us all to always keep the faith,” Harris said.
Emhoff, the first Jewish spouse of a U.S. president or vice president, said he was “still filled with pain and despair.”
Responding to a chanted question about the ceasefire, Harris replied: “We are not giving up. We are doing everything we can to complete the ceasefire hostage agreement. This is what we can do to end this war and bring any kind of stability to the region.” One of the most important ways. This is one of the highest priorities of this administration.
Earlier in the day, Harris issued a statement saying she would “never forget” the horrific events that occurred on this day last year.
“Women were raped on the side of the road. 250 people were kidnapped. … What Hamas did that day was pure evil – cruel and disgusting,” she said.
Harris has repeatedly said her commitment to Israel’s security is “unwavering.”
Schumer at Brooklyn Synagogue
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., spent the morning at a Brooklyn synagogue continuing to call for the hostages to be released.
“A few days later on October 7, when I traveled to Israel to express America’s solidarity with the Israeli people and Israel’s right to self-defense, we gathered with the families of American victims of Hamas attacks. I will never forget this meeting. “I still remember when a family member told me that every minute was an hour and every day was a year without knowing the fate of a loved one imprisoned by Hamas,” Schumer said in a statement.
“We must not and cannot waver in our efforts to bring the hostages home. It’s been a long time coming.
Schumer’s bombshell speech in the Senate in March critical Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of Israel’s retaliatory bombing of Gaza marked the death of American Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Pohling, who was murdered after nearly 11 months in captivity. Goldberg-Poulin was taken hostage as Hamas militants terrorized and killed hundreds of people at a desert music festival as part of a raid.
The Senate majority leader also listed the names of several New York voters who remain imprisoned, including three whose bodies have not yet been returned by Hamas.
Republicans slam Biden, Harris
The Republican National Committee held a “commemorative press conference” Monday night before former President Donald Trump attended an October 7 commemoration in Miami, Florida.
The call focused largely on blaming Biden and Harris for horrific attacks by Hamas and the rise of anti-Semitism.
“None of this happened during President Trump’s time in office because America was respected in the eyes of the world, and President Trump through his Strength and a strong foreign policy create peace.
Former Democratic Congressman Peter Deutsch of Florida announced his support for Trump’s presidential campaign during a conference call.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said time “has not lessened the pain inflicted on the people of Israel one year ago today, nor the sadness that follows.
The Kentucky Republican continued in a statement released Monday: “On October 7, Iran-backed terror confronted the world with irreparable evil and pulled the world’s oldest hatred out of the shadows.
McConnell’s comments did not mention Biden, Harris or Trump.
House Speaker Mike Johnson released a video containing footage of Hamas attacks and a clip of him shaking hands with Israeli leader Netanyahu visited Capitol to address a joint session of Congress.
“The terror and anti-Semitism we are witnessing demands the full resolve of American leaders, which is why Congress passed legislation in the spring to provide necessary military aid and support to Israel,” Johnson, R-Louisiana, said in a statement.
“Today, at this critical moment, in the wake of a second direct attack by Iran and continued terror attacks by Hezbollah, Americans must insist that the Biden-Harris administration unequivocally stand with Israel against Iran’s terrorist regime, while we Continue to pray for peace and safety.
Johnson’s film also shows footage of protesters holding Palestinian flags on college campuses and footage of him giving a speech at Columbia University.
In the months after the Oct. 7 attack, House Republicans focused on anti-war college camps and demonstrations — some but not all of which featured blatant anti-Semitism and violence . The party continues to praise Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik for her fierce questioning Last December, anti-Semitic attacks on Penn State’s Liz Magill and Harvard University’s Claudine Gay led to the resignations of both university presidents.
