Biden on Holocaust Remembrance Day: There is No Place for Antisemitism in America

Joe Biden, the President of the United States, delivered a speech at the U.S. Capitol on National Holocaust Remembrance Day to honor the six million Jews who were killed eight decades ago. In his remarks, President Biden emphasized the importance of reminding future generations of the dangers and atrocities faced by Jews. He addressed the increasing threats against Jews following the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and has been referred to as the 'deadliest day' for Jews since the Holocaust. The Hamas attack also claimed the lives of 44 Americans, and 240 individuals, including eight Americans still held hostage in Gaza, were taken captive by Hamas. Biden stated, '75 years have passed since the Holocaust, and now, only seven months after the Hamas terrorist attack, some are forgetting that it was Hamas that committed the violence.' He added, 'We have not forgotten this and we will not forget.' Biden's speech came at a critical time as several universities in the U.S. have been scenes of protests against the killing of Gaza residents following the Israeli attack, with some universities witnessing antisemitic slogans. Concurrently, Jewish groups have pressured the government to take stronger actions against antisemitism. Biden noted that Jews are forced to hide their Jewish symbols and that Jewish students have faced harassment on campuses. He stressed the importance of 'learning from history' and condemned the 'disgusting crimes of Hamas' that must be stopped. While condemning antisemitism, Biden also emphasized his support for free speech, stating that protests can be held peacefully, but there is no place in America for antisemitic rhetoric or attacks on Jews and other minorities. He mentioned, 'My administration is working 24/7 to bring all hostages home and will not rest until that happens.' Biden also pointed out that his administration has developed the first national strategy to combat antisemitism, urging all Americans to take action in this regard. He concluded his remarks by highlighting the importance of preserving and honoring the heritage of American Jews, stating, 'We are the guardians of this heritage and must stand against hatred.' Following the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of over 250 others, Israel launched an offensive against Gaza aimed at destroying this Iran-backed group and retrieving the hostages. During negotiations mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, more than 100 kidnapped hostages were released. There are still 133 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, and Israel believes that at least 20 of them have died. Hamas officials have repeatedly stated that they would repeat such an attack if possible. Israel has accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields. The United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization. Nira Tohidi: Criticism of the government and Israeli policies should not be considered antisemitism. International Holocaust Remembrance Day; Biden: We are witnessing a concerning rise in antisemitism worldwide. The 79th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz; survivors of the Nazi death camp commemorated the victims of the Holocaust. Hundreds of thousands of Germans protested against 'racism and extremism.' Exclusive; Israel: Iranian Jews had 'no choice' but to participate in anti-Israel rallies. Senator Schumer: Antisemitism in America has reached a 'critical point.' Warning from Germany's domestic intelligence agency: The Gaza war has created new antisemitic alliances. Tens of thousands in Washington condemned antisemitism while supporting Israel.