Israeli President Thanks America; Jews Worldwide Must Be Safe

The President of Israel on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Joe Biden, his administration, and many members of Congress from both political parties in the U.S., stating that all Jews in America and around the world must be safe. Isaac Herzog, speaking from Jerusalem to participants at a large rally supporting Jews in Washington, said, "The barbarism and crimes against humanity by Hamas, as President Biden has said, evoke the worst atrocities of ISIS. We, the people of Israel, are grateful to American leaders and commend their moral clarity and actions." He added, "Since October 7, the Israeli community and the Jewish people have united and demonstrated that their hearts beat for one another, once again shouting that we want to be free and liberated." The Israeli President criticized attacks on Jews worldwide for being Jewish and emphasized, "Hatred, lies, barbarism, and the shameful outburst of anti-Semitism is a disgrace to all people and civilized nations of the world and must be stopped." Isaac Herzog also noted, "Forty days ago, a terrorist group attacked the independent state of Israel, killing thousands of Israelis in the largest massacre since the Holocaust. This must never happen again, and Jews must be safe around the world." Tens of thousands gathered in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, November 14, in a large rally to support Israel and condemn rising anti-Semitism. According to Reuters, the event, titled "March for Israel," saw participants express solidarity with the country in its conflict with Hamas. In the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on southern Israel, at least 1,400 people were killed, and militants from this Palestinian group took around 240 hostages. The attack led to a severe Israeli response, including a blockade and air and ground assaults on the Gaza Strip, an area controlled by Hamas. The ongoing war in Gaza has resulted in increased incidents of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in the U.S., including violent attacks or harassment online. Thousands of American citizens showed support for Israel; prominent figures spoke in Washington.