In a somber address, President Joe Biden voiced concerns over the rising threat of antisemitism in the United States, particularly on college campuses.
Speaking at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s annual commemoration, Biden emphasized the importance of remembering the 6 million Jews killed during World War Two, warning against the danger of forgetting such atrocities.
He condemned the recent violence in Gaza, calling attention to the need for continued vigilance against antisemitism and hate speech.
Biden‘s speech comes amid a divisive debate in America regarding support for Israel’s response to attacks from Hamas, with protests erupting across the country.
While acknowledging Americans’ right to protest, Biden emphasized the need to combat antisemitism and hate in all its forms, stressing that there is no place for such behavior on college campuses.
The president reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security, despite disagreements with the government’s actions.
However, he also acknowledged the sharp increase in antisemitic attacks in the U.S. since the Gaza conflict began, as well as anti-Muslim incidents.
Biden pledged to unite the country in the face of rising hatred, drawing inspiration from past challenges.
Meanwhile, political divisions over Israel’s response have intensified, with President Trump seeking to exploit Democratic discord to gain favor with Jewish voters.
Trump’s party has framed protests against Israel’s actions as driven by antisemitism, while Biden’s administration works to address discrimination and monitor online hate speech.
As the nation grapples with these challenges, Biden’s message emphasizes the importance of remembering the lessons of history and standing against hatred and bigotry in all its forms.