On Monday night, President Joe Biden hosted a significant Hanukkah event at the White House, during which he expressed his commitment to supporting Israel in its conflict with Hamas and addressed the troubling rise of antisemitism globally.
The event, held in the East Room, was attended by nearly 800 guests, including Holocaust survivors, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, approximately two dozen members of Congress, Jewish community leaders, and Doug Emhoff, the second gentleman. Emhoff, who is the first Jewish spouse of a nationally elected leader in the U.S., took part in lighting a menorah crafted from original White House timbers.
Last week, Emhoff also led the lighting of a large menorah outside the White House. This year’s Hanukkah celebration, which includes the nightly lighting of a menorah, runs from December 7 until Friday.
Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of New York City’s Central Synagogue presided over the ceremony, acknowledging President Biden as a staunch ally of Israel and the Jewish community.
Buchdahl reflected on the darkness brought by the October 7 Hamas attack in Gaza and the subsequent war with Israel, condemning global justifications of terrorism and the normalization of antisemitism. She praised Biden as a symbol of strength and resilience.
President Biden reinforced his support for Israel, stating, “You don’t have to be a Jew to be a Zionist.” He acknowledged differences with Israeli leadership but emphasized the importance of Israel’s existence for Jewish safety globally.
The president discussed the ongoing U.S. military support for Israel and the complexities of public opinion regarding the conflict. The Biden administration, earlier in May, had announced a strategy to counter antisemitism, yet antisemitic sentiments have intensified, particularly amid criticisms over Palestinian casualties in Gaza. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of a potential humanitarian crisis in the region.
Regarding hostages held by Hamas, Biden affirmed the U.S. commitment to securing their release and discussed increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza civilians.
The Hanukkah celebration coincided with a protest outside the White House. Nearly 20 women, self-described as “Jewish elders” and part of Jewish Voice for Peace, chained themselves to the fence, voicing their opposition to the U.S. stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The U.S. Park Police issued citations and released the protesters. The demonstration aimed to highlight concerns about actions taken in the name of the Jewish community.
Amid growing antisemitism, Biden acknowledged the fears and pains of American Jews, noting the prevalence of such sentiments in communities, schools, colleges, and on social media. He referred to the recent resignation of Liz Magill, the president of the University of Pennsylvania, amidst donor pressure and controversy over her congressional testimony related to campus antisemitism.
White House spokesman Andrew Bates did not comment on Magill’s resignation but noted her withdrawal of previous remarks, deeming it the right decision. Bates’ statement came amidst broader criticism faced by university leaders regarding their handling of antisemitism on campuses.
